The NFL handed out the maximum penalty to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay for violating its personal conduct policy. Irsay was fined $500,000 and suspended for six games following his impaired driving arrest.
Irsay pled guilty to a count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
According to the NFL, the suspension goes into effect at 5 p.m. Wednesday. While the suspension is in place, Irsay won’t be able to visit any of the team’s facilities or practices. He’s not allowed to represent the franchise at league meetings or team events, nor is he allowed to engage fans on social media.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said the Colts will not have to forfeit a draft pick or face any other sanction as a team because Irsay’s actions had no “competitive consequences.”
Irsay will return to the team on Oct. 9, after the Colts play the Houston Texans.
Irsay released the following statement:
I acknowledge the mistake I made last March and stand responsible for the consequences of that mistake, for which I sincerely apologize to our community and to Colts fans everywhere. Even more importantly, though, 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. In retrospect, I now know that the incident opened my eyes to issues in my life that needed addressing and helped put me on the path to regain my health. I truly hope and pray that my episode will help in some small measure to diminish the stigma surrounding our country’s terrible and deadly problem of addiction. It is a disease like other progressive, terminal diseases—one that can only be successfully treated by understanding, committed hard work, and spiritual growth. I am deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support during these past few months from my family, friends, care-givers, and our great community. Please know I am firmly committed to staying on my path to good health and I look forward to a great season.
