INDIANAPOLIS — The family of Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday that he has placed himself in a treatment facility after police found multiple prescription drugs in his vehicle during a traffic stop.
Irsay, who acknowledged a painkiller dependency more than a decade ago, faces preliminary charges of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested near his home in suburban Carmel late Sunday and released the next day.
“Yesterday, Jim Irsay took the first step toward regaining good health,” the family said in the statement released by the Colts. “He voluntarily checked into a highly-respected health care facility and is committed to undergoing the treatment and care necessary to help him meet his challenges head-on. Jim, the Irsay family and the Colts organization are all deeply appreciative of the incredible outpouring of support and compassion from our fans and the Indiana community.”
Colts spokesman Avis Roper said the comments came from Irsay’s family and he had no further information. Myra Borshoff Cook, a spokeswoman for Irsay, declined comment.
If Irsay, 54, is charged and convicted on the felony counts, he could face six months to three years in prison on each count. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Andre Miksha said Monday that no decision had been made on formal charges and a hearing was set for March 26.
An NFL spokesman said Irsay is subject to discipline but didn’t elaborate on what that might be.
