Ex-police chief disputes allegation from Colts owner Jim Irsay, says he reviewed arrest in question
The police chief at the time of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay's 2014 arrest disputed Irsay's allegation that he was arrested for being a "rich, white billionaire.''
Tim Green, the now-retired Carmel, Indiana, police chief, told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday that at the time of the arrest, he reviewed the available information and of Irsay's allegation he said, "I would just hope that he would reevaluate what he said there because I think he knows that’s not the case in this matter. …
"Let's just say some comments can be made without any type of evidence and proof.''
Irsay, 64, made the comments during an interview with HBO for a "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" segment that aired Tuesday.
"I am prejudiced against because I'm a rich, white billionaire," Irsay said. "If I'm just the average guy down the block, they're not pulling me in, of course not."
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OPINION: Jim Irsay treated unfairly because he's a billionaire? Cue the tears.
Green, who served as police chief from 2011 to 2017, said he was confident the officers were “just doing what they needed to do.’’
“People who do get stopped and arrested, I know that’s not a good experience for them,’’ Green added. “But sometimes they need to look at themselves and understand what the issue and problem is when it comes to driving while impaired, intoxicated alcohol wise or under other narcotics or prescription drugs.’’
Irsay pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. When asked why he plead guilty, Irsay told HBO Sports, "Just to get it over with."
Irsay, who has talked openly about his struggles with addiction, told HBO Sports that he failed the field sobriety tests after being pulled over because he was just coming off hip surgery.
According to police reports obtained by the IndyStar at the time of the arrest, Irsay had trouble standing, his speech was slurred and he admitted taking several medications but refused to voluntarily submit to a blood test after he was stopped by a Carmel police officer, according to the newspaper.