Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has always been known to speak his mind regardless of the repercussions. And he did just that in a very controversial way while discussing a DUI charge he received in 2014.
Irsay appeared on a recent episode of HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, where he wildly claimed that his status as a “rich white billionaire” caused him to be charged with the DUI.
“I am prejudiced against because I’m a rich white billionaire,” claimed Irsay in the episode transcribed by James Boyd of The Athletic. “If I’m just the average guy down the block, they’re not pulling me in. Of course not. 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.”
#Colts owner Jim Irsay, speaking on @RealSportsHBO about being charged with a DUI in 2014:
“I am prejudiced against because I’m a rich white billionaire. … “
“I don’t care what it sounds like. It’s the truth. … I could give a damn what people think how anything sounds … “ pic.twitter.com/97Z0KPXxqX
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 22, 2023
There were several other things that Irsay spoke about in the episode, and some of them were incredibly dark. This includes his sister’s tragic passing, his numerous attempts at rehab facilities, and his strained relationship with his parents.
On one hand, his appearance on the show made it clear that Irsay has been through a lot in his life, which has helped form his empire in Indianapolis and his tremendous wealth.
However, for him to feel like he is prejudiced against is pretty simply absurd and incredibly insensitive for a number of reasons. Fans pointed this out on social media shortly after the episode aired on Tuesday night.
I appreciate Irsay opening up during this interview, but I just don’t know what he has to gain by digging his heels in on a 10-year old arrest that most people had forgotten about.
Even if he feels this is true, it’s a statement that garners zero sympathy from anyone. https://t.co/BMbtKyuIAH
— Derek Schultz (@Schultz975) November 22, 2023
This response demonstrates a profound divorce from the tethers of reality. https://t.co/hpxkcwwE4M
— Aaron Lerner, nothing clever right now (@AaronCLerner) November 22, 2023
This is a terrible look for Irsay, especially after all of the great things the #Colts, as an organization have done to bring awareness in the Indianapolis community. He shouldn’t have said it at all. https://t.co/Lc3Oj1oxB4
— Stephen Reed (@NiceReedSteve) November 22, 2023
Sure thing, Jim. https://t.co/6e7PmSri1s
— Ryan Burns (@FtblSickness) November 22, 2023
On the flip side of what I just qt, this is a wild statement and completely out of touch https://t.co/4G0rjtbcjh
— AWDR (@astrolts) November 22, 2023
This is certainly… something. https://t.co/JSrDmTtZb6
— Kyle Smedley (@KyleSmedley_) November 22, 2023
This certainly seems like something that could turn into a complete PR nightmare. At the very least, it is not a great look for both Irsay and the Colts organization as a whole.
