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Jim Irsay, the former owner of Indianapolis Colts who died in May, supposedly suffered a relapse before his death and was under the care of a recovery doctor who prescribed opioids and ketamine.
Irsay died earlier this year at the age of 65. He fought against several health problems over the years along with drug addiction and alcohol. Once he admitted to having gone to the rehabilitation “at least 15 times” and helped create a base based on mental diseases and addiction. Sixteen months before their death, the colts announced that Irsay was treated by “serious respiratory diseases.”
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Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning (18) and owner Jim Irsay are victorious after winning against New York’s jets at Lucas Oil Stadium. (TO TIELMANS /SPORTS Illustrated /Getty Images)
There was also a report from him overdose in December 2023. Irsay denied having overdose, rather saying that he suffered a serious hematoma in the leg.
His death surprised the world of football at that time. It was still seen in some of the Colts games during the course of season 2024.
Somewhere between that time, the Washington Post reported Thursday that Irsay was “in the midst of a relapse” and the colts “hid repeatedly from the public.” The departure said he interviewed at least five witnesses who saw Irsay ingested opioids and four who said they saw him take ketamine.
The witnesses who interviewed with the Washington Post said they were worried about the treatments that Irsay received from Dr. Harry Heroutunian, a California headquarters -based addiction specialist. The report says that Heroutunian prescribed Irsay with opioids in the last two years of his life.
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Jim Irsay talks to fans in the induction of Reggie Wayne to Ring of Honor at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty images)
He declined to comment on Irsay’s treatment at the exit, citing medical privacy laws. Pak Gazette Digital communicated to comment.
Heroutunian signed Irsay’s death certificate as the cause that was a cardiac arrest due to pneumonia and heart problems, according to the newspaper. According to the reports, the Beverly Hills Police Department closed his investigation into his death because the investigators did not see signs of overdose or drug use. No autopsy or toxicology results were performed.
General lawyer Dan Emerison defended the management of Irsay’s fighting team in an interview with Washington Post.
“We handle everything in an appropriate, professional, ethical and moral way,” he said. “… I would really want everyone to let my friend rest in peace.”
The owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, speaks with fans during the induction of Dwight Freeney to the Ring of Honor from Indianapolis Colts in Lucas Oil Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Pak Gazette Digital contacted colts to comment. The team referred to a statement that the IRSAYS gave to Washington Post.
“We continue to cry the loss of our father, a man defined not only for his role as owner of the colts, but also for his resistance, his personal struggles and his deep love for family, friends and community,” said his statement.
“Throughout his life, our father was open about his battles with addiction and mental health. He never claimed to be perfect. Instead, he used his voice to reduce stigma and advocate for those who face similar challenges, with honesty, vulnerability and compassion.
“We understand the public interest in your life and your legacy. While we respect the role of responsible journalism, we refuse to comment on the accusations in their consultation. The media are not the place to address the consultations on the information that is disputed, it lacks an essential context or involves private medical matters.
“Our approach remains to honor our father’s legacy, his decades of philanthropy, his loyalty to the colts and their fans, and their passion for the defense of mental health, music and second opportunities.
“We ask for continuous privacy as we advance in this difficult time.”
