Jim Irsay's absence unlikely to affect Colts operations

• Colts owner Jim Irsay enters treatment facility.
• Carlie Irsay-Gordon will assume father%27s role.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has entered a treatment facility following his arrest Sunday night on suspicion of driving under the influence and drug possession.

The Colts said in a press release Irsay took the action of his own volition Monday, the same day he was released from the Hamilton County Jail, and will be a patient for an undetermined length of time.

According to a team statement, Irsay "took the first step toward regaining good health. He voluntarily checked into a highly-respected health care facility and is committed to undergoing the treatment and care necessary to help him meet his challenges head-on. Jim, the Irsay family, and the Colts organization are all deeply appreciative of the incredible outpouring of support and compassion from our fans and the Indiana community."

Carlie Irsay-Gordon will fill her father's role in his absence.

Irsay was preliminarily charged with four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor charge of operating while intoxicated after being stopped by Carmel police late Sunday. Officers said he failed roadside sobriety tests and reported finding multiple Schedule IV prescription drugs in his vehicle. He was arrested and released after posting a $22,500 cash bond Monday afternoon.

In 2002, Irsay, 54, sought treatment at a rehab facility after becoming addicted to prescription drugs. The revelation came after Irsay's name emerged during an investigation by authorities into prescription drug fraud by a local doctor.

In a 2005 interview with The Star, Irsay described beating his addiction then as "my greatest moment."

The move by Irsay to get treatment this time should be helpful in the long term. In the short term, however, it leaves the Colts without their owner and CEO.

But for a number of reasons, that is not expected to be a major impediment to their success.

It's likely the franchise can run seamlessly in his absence, both as a football team and business. While Irsay is intimately involved in both areas of the franchise, the team – like most in the NFL – is structured in such a way that it can function without him.

In addition to Irsay-Gordon, Irsay's daughters Casey Foyt and Kalen Irsay also hold the title of vice-chair/owner. Beyond them, the team's business side is run by a team of executives that includes chief operating officer Pete Ward, a close Irsay adviser and a 32-year employee of the organization. The football operation will continue to be run on a day-to-day basis by general manager Ryan Grigson and his staff.

"In many ways, a franchise does run itself," said ESPN sports business analyst Andrew Brandt, a former Green Bay Packers vice president. "The only time an owner's involvement is absolutely required is when you're getting into a huge cash outlay, such as during the past week with free agency."

Free-agent signings are still being executed around the NFL, but Brandt said the advance planning and discussion of offseason moves could mitigate any interruption caused by Irsay's absence. Potential targets and spending would have been discussed ahead of time with Irsay likely being a party to those conversations.

"When you talk about the offseason, a lot of that preparation is done in January and February," Brandt said. "You're talking about how you're going to direct resources."

But things do change, even with the best-laid plans.

"It's like Mike Tyson said: 'I had a plan until I got punched in the face,' " Brandt said.

One thing that, perhaps, separates Irsay from some owners is his level of involvement in football matters. He's hardly meddlesome, something his father, Bob, was infamous for.

But Jim Irsay's background as the team's former general manager gives him a higher level of understanding of on-field and personnel issues. To that end, Grigson and Irsay have often communicated about football issues, input Grigson welcomes.

"He brings so much passion, football acumen, wisdom and knowledge," Grigson said in a recent interview. "He has helped really guide me from the beginning."

But for the moment, Irsay won't be available as he attempts to deal with something far more important than football.

Call Star reporter Stephen Holder at (317) 444-6520. Follow him on Twitter: @HolderStephen.