Colts owner Jim Irsay pulled over by police for being rich white billionaire

Colts owner Jim Irsay claims police arrested him for DUI because he's a rich, white billionaire. Police deny it.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay recently spoke with HBO Sports about his arrest for driving while intoxicated nearly a decade ago, claiming that his arrest was due to police prejudice against him as a "rich, white billionaire." The incident occurred in 2014 when Irsay was stopped by police in Carmel, Indiana for driving erratically. Prescription drugs and over $29,000 in cash were found in his car, and a toxicology report revealed the presence of oxycodone, hydrocodone, and an anxiety medication in his system.

Irsay adamantly asserted that his arrest was not based on his actions, but rather on his status as a wealthy individual. He stated, "I am prejudiced against because I'm a rich, white billionaire. If I'm just the average guy down the block, they're not pulling me in, of course not." This claim was met with a response from the Carmel Police Department, which defended its officers and their dedication to upholding the law with integrity and professionalism.

Despite his insistence that his arrest was unjust, Irsay pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count in September 2014, resulting in a fine from the NFL and a six-game suspension. During the interview, Irsay explained that he only pleaded guilty in order to put the situation behind him. He has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and has actively supported initiatives to expand mental health treatment, such as the team's "Kicking The Stigma" initiative.

When asked about the potential backlash to his claims of prejudice, Irsay expressed indifference, stating, "I don't care what it sounds like. It's the truth. I could give a damn what people think how anything sounds or sounds like. The truth is the truth, and I know the truth." This interview sheds light on Irsay's perspective on his arrest and the impact it has had on his life and public image.