{UAH} Billionaire Indianapolis Colts owner arrested

He's a sick, sick man': Billionaire Indianapolis Colts owner is arrested on four felonies as close friends reveal his longtime drug addiction

• Jim Irsay, 54, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, was arrested Sunday night for DUI and possession of a controlled substance
• The billionaire has battled an addiction to prescription pain medication in the past but has said he overcame it
• Sources close to Irsay say that on the contrary, his problem has worsened and that he needs help
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By ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 14:24 EST, 17 March 2014 | UPDATED: 16:38 EST, 17 March 2014

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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has been arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving, authorities said Monday.

Irsay, 54, was arrested Sunday night in the northern Indianapolis suburb of Carmel on preliminary charges of driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance, Hamilton County Sheriff's Department Deputy Bryant Orem said.

The billionaire has been in and out of rehab over the years and has said he kicked his addiction to prescription painkillers - but sources close to the businessman say otherwise. 

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James Irsay, owner of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was jailed early March 17

Friends say Irsay has been battling his drug problem for some time, and that his arrest could be a blessing in disguise.

'He's a sick, sick man,' one source told the Indy Star. 'He desperately needs help.'

 

According to the Indy Star Irsay's recent dramatic weight loss - he went from 235lb to 165lb - has raised red flags among his friends and acquaintances.

Irsay drove at a slow rate of speed, stopped in the roadway and failed to signal a turn before police stopped him, Lieutenant Joe Bickel of the Carmel Police Department said in a release.

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Teetotal: Irsay told Twitter followers that he hasn't had an alcoholic drink in 15 years last October

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Jailed: Attorney James Voyles (left) and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay leave the Hamilton County Jail in Indianapolis, Monday after Irsay was detained overnight

'During the course of the investigation, Irsay subsequently failed several roadside field sobriety tests,' Bickel said.

Myra Borshoff Cook, a spokeswoman for Irsay, declined to comment early Monday on his arrest.

In an inventory of Irsay's vehicle, 'multiple prescription drugs were discovered in pill bottles,' police said. 'These Schedule IV prescription drugs were not associated with any prescription bottles found in the vehicle.'

Irsay, who frequently interacts with fans of the NFL team on Twitter, wrote an October 2013 tweet saying 'I don't drink...haven't in over 15 years.'

Colts owner arrested over DUI and drugs charges

Irsay acknowledged in 2002 that he had become dependent on painkillers after several years of orthopedic operations but said he had overcome the problem after undergoing treatment.

Marion County prosecutors said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated how Irsay obtained the painkillers. Federal authorities wouldn't confirm any investigation was taking place. Prosecutors at the time said they saw no reason to charge Irsay.

A plastic surgeon who wrote painkiller prescriptions for Irsay later surrendered his federal permit to prescribe narcotic drugs.

League spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail to USA Today Sports that Irsay, if found guilty, would be subject to league discipline, the same as a player would.

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Weight loss: A fuller-looking Jim Irsay addresses media about his team the Colts in 2012

Drug charges: Irsay (pictured in October 2013) now faces four felony charges relating to drug and intoxicated driving

'The league's Personal Conduct Policy applies to all NFL personnel,' Aiello said.

Irsay, who lives in Carmel, became the Colts owner in 1997 after the death of his father, Robert Irsay and a lengthy legal battle with his father's second wife. Along the way, Jim Irsay held virtually every job from ball boy to general manager. Forbes magazine estimated Irsay's net worth at $1.6 billion.

Meg Irsay filed in November for divorce from her husband of 33 years, citing an 'irretrievable breakdown' of the marriage.

A joint statement issued by the couple said Jim Irsay would retain full ownership of the Colts and his other business interests.  The couple, who married in 1980, have been separated for a decade and are the parents of three adult daughters.

Since taking ownership of the team, Jim Irsay has made a reputation for himself by buying the scroll manuscript of Jack Kerouac's beat poem 'On the Road. 'for $2.43 million and often takes to Twitter to post comments ranging from the Colts' inner workings, popular music, and idle thoughts.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2582819/Indianapolis-Colts-owner-arrested-drunk-driving.html#ixzz2wGsliaFd 
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