Jim Irsay’s Troubles
Jim Irsay is back in the news. The Colts owner was arrested last Sunday night on a OWI charge. The 54 year old sports executive was stopped after being observed driving very slowly, coming to a dead stop in a traffic lane, and then making a turn without signalling. After he failed several field sobriety tests, Carmel police arrested Mr. Irsay and charged him with driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance. According to authorities, Mr. Irsay offered no resistance when arrested.
It’s long been known that Jim Irsay has a drug problem, but because he has more money then anyone else in Central Indiana, he has been able to get by. So far, he hasn’t caused serious physical injury to anyone but the emotional pain to his family and friends. Obviously Mr. Irsay’s family matters are his own business, but when he drives on public roads while under the influence of drugs and alcohol it does become a matter of public concern. Mr. Irsay has tried to dry out on a couple of occasions but it’s apparent that these attempts have failed.
When straight and sober, Jim Irsay is a good guy who takes an interest in being a positive influence in the community, but the Jekyll and Hyde thing is working here. Another thing is that one wonders how long a Colts player or coach who was caught doing the same thing as Jim Irsay would be allowed to remain with the team. Like it or not, Jim Irsay is a role model to a lot of people in the Colts organization and to the team’s fan base. We can only hope that he considers that fact when he deals with his current situation.
The Colts in Free Agency
On March 6, NFL Free Agency started. That means that any pro player whose contract expired and has not been able to work a new contract deal with the club he played for is now free to talk to other NFL teams about possible employment. The catch for the football clubs is how close thy are to their salary caps. The salary cap is the total amount of money the individual teams may spend on acquiring and paying the players on their rosters. The Colts found themselves in the position of having some extra money to acquire a few new players in the open market as well as re-sign some of their current players. Perhaps the biggest news for Horseshoe fans was the re-signing of cornerback Vontae Davis. Davis came to the Colts in a 2012 trade with the Miami Dolphins for which he had been a number one draft pick. The price was the Colts second round draft pick. The Colts needed Davis. Kicker Adam Vinatieri has also re-signed along with punter Pat McAfee, so we are safe there. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw, coming off an injury, re-signed. Also joining the Colts is former Baltimore Raven defensive end Arthur Brown. Brown had played for Coach Chuck Pagano and is excited to be joining him again. Inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson comes to the Colts after being released by the Browns. Jackson is 30 years old and in his ninth season. The Colts have signed former New York Giant wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who they hope will be the third option for Andrew luck next season.
Along with gaining some new faces, the Colts have had to say farewell to some old ones. Running back Ron Brown is now a San Diego Charger. Brown was the team’s top pick in 2009 and while he had his moments, he really never developed into the back the Big Blue hoped he would become. Inside linebacker Kavell Conner also signed with the Chargers. A blow to the secondary came when strong safety Antoine Bethea signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Samson Satele, the starring center for the past two seasons, injury prone linebacker Pat Angerer, and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey were released.
The Colts are still looking for a center so there will most likely be more free agent movement before training camp.
Tech Titans Are in the Semi Finals
Congratulations to the men in green! The Tech Titans are heading to Richmond this Saturday, March 22 to take on Bloomington North in the quest for the IHSAA Class 4A State Basketball Championship. The winner of this game will meet the winner of the Lake Central vs. Homestead game in Lafayette a week later at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for the trophy game. Best of luck to the Titans. Here’s hoping they can bring the championship back home to Indianapolis!
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