Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Colts' Jim Irsay Denies Overdose After Dec. Police Report, Says He's In 'Good Shape'

Joseph Zucker

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay denied an overdose was the source of his medical episode in December.

"It wasn't an overdose," he said to Mike Chappell of Fox 59. "I don't know why when you have your name in the paper in the past, people throw that out there quickly. I don't pay attention to it all that much, but I don't think it's fair."

Irsay added he's "in good shape" ahead of the 2024 NFL draft and that "I have my hands on the reins (of the franchise) in a strong way."

According to ESPN's Stephen Holder, a police report said the 64-year-old was "lying in bed and was cold to the touch" when emergency personnel arrived at his home on Dec. 8. Police officers gave him a dose of Narcan, which is often used in the case of an opioid overdose.

"Officers noted a number of different medications Irsay had been prescribed but noted it was initially unclear what exact substance he had taken before being found in distress," Holder wrote. "The specific medications were redacted from the report for privacy reasons."

Addressing Irsay's health in January, the Colts would only say he was dealing with a "severe respiratory illness." He followed up in February to post on social media he was "on the mend."

Irsay has acknowledged he has dealt with alcoholism and addiction in the past.

In September 2014, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which stemmed from an arrest earlier in the year. He had been pulled over for driving erratically and exhibiting signs of being under the influence.

In an interview with HBO's Real Sports (via ESPN.com) last November, Irsay contended he was "prejudiced against because I'm a rich, white billionaire" and described his 2014 arrest as "wrong."

"I had just had hip surgery, and had been in the car for 45 minutes," he said. "And what — they asked me to walk the line? Are you kidding me? I can barely walk at all."

Irsay continues to deal with various medical issues, which date back in part to his powerlifting career, telling Chappell he has undergone 27 surgeries within the past seven or eight years.

A recent procedure on his back will prevent Irsay from sitting in the Colts' war room during the draft. He confirmed to Holder he intends to stay in communication virtually with head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard.

   

Read 0 Comments

Download the app for comments Get the B/R app to join the conversation

Install the App
×
Bleacher Report
(120K+)