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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay isn't one of the most dedicated owners in the NFL to producing a consistent, winning football team. He's also one of the most controversial owners in professional sports because of his off-the-field transgressions.
Earlier this offseason in March, Irsay was charged with four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance after police found several prescription drugs in pill bottles in Irsay's car:
According to Dan Hanzus of NFL.com, Irsay is now being charged with two misdemeanors in connection with the March traffic stop that led to an arrest on suspicion of intoxicated driving.
In paperwork obtained by NFL Media on Friday, the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office filed one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a Class C misdemeanor, and one count of operating a vehicle with a schedule I or II controlled substance or its metabolite in the body, a Class C misdemeanor.
Irsay was admitted to an out-of-state medical facility for inpatient treatment after his arrest, prompting a postponement of a hearing and the filing of formal charges.
Irsay, originally accused of four felony counts of possession of controlled substances, avoided those more serious charges, but still must face Class C misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and operating with a controlled substance in his body. Irsay and his legal counsel released this statement on Friday regarding the matter.
"We want to thank the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office for its professionalism in its investigation regarding Mr. Irsay and for devoting the necessary care and attention to determine the facts in this matter did not warrant the filing of felony charges relative to Mr. Irsay's prescription medications," the statement read. "Mr. Irsay will deal with the remaining misdemeanor charges through the judicial process."
Now that these charges are official, it should ensure that Irsay is eventually suspended from NFL-related activities and events.
NFL says it is reviewing Irsay situation, reminds personal conduct policy "applies to all league personnel and holds all of us accountable."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 23, 2014
How long that will be for remains to be seen.