Mere hours after he pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, Colts owner Jim Irsay was suspended for six games by the NFL, and fined $500K, according to a press release from the league. Irsay won’t be permitted to be at the club’s facility or its games during the suspension, and also “may not conduct media interviews or engage in social media regarding any team or league matters.”
Because the incident for which Irsay is being disciplined didn’t have any competitive consequences, the Colts won’t be forced to forfeit draft picks. The $500K fine is the maximum penalty allowed under the NFL’s conduct policy. As for the suspension, it will take effect beginning at 4:00pm central time on Wednesday.
Irsay, who reportedly had oxycodone and hydrocodone in his system when he was arrested on two misdemeanor charges back in March, received one year of probation, during which he’ll be subjected to drug tests. As part of the suspension, the league notes that the Colts owner will be “subject to ongoing treatment, counseling, and testing as determined by medical professionals and the Indiana court.”