Jim Irsay On 2014 Arrest, Cops Targeted Me ‘Because I’m A Rich, White Billionaire’

Jim Irsay says he was focused by police throughout his 2014 arrest … emphatically believing cops had been prejudiced towards him as a result of he is “a wealthy, white billionaire.”

The Indianapolis Colts proprietor made the eyebrow-raising statements to Andrea Kremer throughout an interview with HBO Sports activities that aired earlier this week.

Of their chat, Kremer requested Irsay if his DUI arrest in Carmel, Ind. some 9 years in the past was a “low level” for him … and some seconds later, he sounded off.

“I’m prejudiced towards as a result of I am a wealthy, white billionaire,” Irsay advised her. “If I am simply the typical man down the block, they don’t seem to be pulling me in, after all not.”

Carmel police had stated on the time of the arrest they stopped Irsay for, amongst different issues, driving too slowly in addition to failing to make use of his flip sign. They ultimately put him in cuffs after they claimed he failed their sobriety assessments.

Dashcam footage from the scene appeared to point out Irsay having hassle strolling whereas speaking with cops outdoors of his automotive. Cops say toxicology outcomes, in the meantime, confirmed he had a number of painkillers in his system, together with oxycodone and hydrocodone.

Irsay, nevertheless, nonetheless advised Kremer, “The arrest was improper.”

“I had simply had hip surgical procedure, and had been within the automotive for 45 minutes,” he stated. “And what — they requested me to stroll the road? Are you kidding me? I can barely stroll in any respect.”

Irsay eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor depend of working a car whereas intoxicated … and was sentenced to 1 12 months probation. He advised Kremer he solely reduce the cope with prosecutors as a result of he wished to get the case “over with.”

For the Carmel Police Division’s half, it stated in a press release to The Indianapolis Star on Tuesday relating to Irsay’s allegations, “We’re very sorry to listen to that remark about our officers and our division.”