NFL Suspends, Fines Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay Following Drunk Driving Incident

Indiana Colts owner Jim Irsay has been suspended by the National Football League (NFL) for the upcoming six games of the season and is also required to pay a fine of $500,000 for barring the league's policy on owners and officials' conduct. This came after the controversial owner admitted guilt to a misdemeanor charge on drunk driving.

The suspension entails that the owner is barred from entering the stadium, practice facilities and during games. He will also have to appoint a replacement to attend team functions, meeting and events which is included in the suspension as well as mentioning the team or the NFL in his social media accounts.

''I have stated on numerous occasions that owners, management personnel and coaches must be held to a higher standard than players,'' NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote Irsay in a letter released by the league. ''We discussed this during our meeting and you expressed your support for that view, volunteering that owners should be held to the highest standard.''

The personal misconduct stems from a March 16 incident when he was hailed by authorities in the suburban area of Carmel, Indianapolis. Police relayed that the 55-year-old Irsay was driving slowly, halted at the center of the road and failed to use a turn signal. The Colts owner was subjected to a sobriety test which he failed, including reciting the alphabets. Police also found a number of subscription drugs in his vehicle as well as around $30,000 in cash.

During his appearance before the Hamilton County judge, Irsay admitted that he at the time of the arrest, he was under prescription medicines and painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. The embattled owner did not address the media after his exit from the court room but relayed an official prepared statement stressing his apology to the Colts followers.

''I am committed to do everything in my power to turn this whole experience into a positive event for myself, my family and the community,'' he said.

Hamilton County Judge Richard Campbell suspended the license or Irsay and directed that he abstain from partaking alcohol for a period of one year. He will be also subjected to periodic drug testing and will undergo a rehabilitation programs. The Cost have also relayed that Irsay has already been admitted to a treatment facility approximately 48 hours after the arrest.