I really do not know Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. In fact, we have only conversed once. Certainly he has forgotten that less than epic moment, and I doubt he could pick me out of a pictorial lineup if his life depended on it.
Unless you are living under a rock, you are well aware of his well-documented tribulations. But, isn’t the real problem Irsay’s ability to convince people that he has no problem and subsequently utilizing many of them to assist him in this ongoing charade described by some as an addiction?
True, I am not a physician, and it does seem like he has a problem, but are the alcohol and drugs the true heart of the matter?
Many of those around “his highness” drew a paycheck from him and as soon as his latest foray became public, they began to circle the wagons of support and made sure that anybody with a microphone or tape recorder knew they were behind Irsay and wished him a complete recovery. While I do not doubt the sincerity of their position, many of these same people have historically sat back and watched him allegedly self-destruct.
Then there are those in Irsay’s close inner circle, the ones who will facilitate the acquisition of drugs, alcohol, and anything else he desires routinely. That list includes (but is not limited to) personal assistants, publicists, drivers, bodyguards, drug dealers, and physicians that in the past have prescribed enough pain killers to drop race horse Secretariat in his tracks.
While none of them is responsible directly for Irsay’s woes. They have never the less perpetuated things under his direction in exchange for money, limelight, and the unique opportunity to party with an NFL owner.
To bring up the biggest bully on the block, if we are to believe the NFL, they were well aware of Irsay’s dilemma many years ago and allowed the situation to continually manifest itself. Sure, they called him in and slapped his wrist, but clearly he was given a pass and sent on his way. They could have hammered him then and made him choose between being an NFL owner or a partying fool, but they chose not to draw any additional attention to the matter. They too must be added to the enabling list that will continue to grow unless someone stops it all very soon.
Ultimately the decision to foster change in one’s life lies with the individual and I certainly hope Irsay will make changes that benefit himself and his family. He is still young enough to make progress in his personal life that is both warranted and meaningful. As with any high profile case, there will be those naysayers who inevitably pile on and point to the squandered opportunities that result from such behavior. To an extent, I can agree with being critical of a billionaire who by many accounts is out of control. The flip side of that coin is Irsay doesn’t owe any of us an explanation for how he lives his life.
He does however have a great responsibility as the steward of a franchise lined with taxpayer money and if he cannot keep from allowing his extra curricular activities from jeopardizing the viability of this community asset, then he needs to sell the team to someone who will run it in a manner commensurate with those expectations.
More than likely he will shape up just enough to keep things in his control and life will go on. Despite what you may think, I hope he can exorcise whatever demons exist in his world, and get healthy, both mentally and physically. For that to happen a number of changes must occur, and the disabling of the militia of enablers at his disposal sits atop that list.
Granted, the easiest thing to do is to instruct someone else on how to conduct themselves, but Irsay, to paraphrase a football cliche, is now into the sudden death period. Lets hope he now realizes the next occurrence of irresponsible behavior could cost him more than the ownership of an NFL franchise. His posse of enablers may prevent that, but then again, they are simply doing their job.
Danny Bridges, who has no sympathy for all the parties involved in this debacle, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
