Colts owner plays questionable victim card in bizarre interview

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has never hesitated to speak his mind, no matter how controversial the topic. In a recent wide-ranging interview with HBO's "Real Sports," Irsay added to this reputation.

When asked by reporter Andrea Kremer about his 2014 arrest in Carmel, Ind. for driving while intoxicated, Irsay said, via ESPN: "I am prejudiced against because I'm a rich, white billionaire. If I'm just the average guy down the block, they're not pulling me in, of course not."

Irsay, 64, also said that he failed the sobriety test administered by police because of recent hip surgery. 

"The arrest was 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."

When asked by Kremer if he really meant what he said, Irsay didn't back down: "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."

Also found in Irsay's vehicle at the time of his arrest were prescription drugs and $29,000 in cash. Irsay -- who has spoken publicly about his battles with addictions -- told HBO addiction to alcohol and painkillers is a "fatal disease."

Irsay could have used this valuable platform — an interview on a highly rated sports magazine show — to raise further awareness of his battles with addiction issues. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, illegal drugs and alcohol are the third- and fourth-leading preventable causes of death in the United States.

Irsay could have also taken the opportunity to thank the Carmel Police Department. He may not have thought it at the time, but an arrest for driving while intoxicated may have protected him as well as others.

Irsay could have said the arrest was a regrettable mistake and apologized to all who were involved. Instead, he took the low road, alleging prejudice because of his wealth and fame.