COLTS

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says Colts owner Jim Irsay faces punishment

Stephen Holder
stephen.holder@indystar.com
Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano waves to the Colts fans as he made an appearance from Jim Irsay's suite in the second half of their game Sunday ,November 25, 2012, afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. Matt Kryger / The Star


ORLANDO, Fla. -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was pleased to learn Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay had checked himself into a treatment facility to deal with his personal issues.

But that is unlikely to mitigate whatever punishment Goodell deems necessary after Irsay's arrest last week for suspicion of driving under the influence and drug possession.

Reinforcing what's written in league policy, Goodell said Monday at the NFL's owners meetings that Irsay is unlikely to be spared league discipline.

"Obviously any policies or any laws that are broken, whether you're commissioner, owner, player or coach, those are subject to discipline," Goodell said.

But Goodell, like so many owners and league officials, balanced any disappointment in Irsay with sincere hope that he's on the road to recovery. Most outspoken in supporting Irsay was his coach, Chuck Pagano, who said the owner's support during Pagano's battle with cancer in 2012 shaped his perception of Irsay.

"The biggest thing is we're a family in the organization," Pagano said. "That all started a long time ago with Mr. Irsay. What he did for me in my absence, what he did for my family, it just (changes) to we can now give back. We're going to support Jim no matter what. The No. 1 priority is his well being and just getting healthy. We miss him, love him, wish he was here with us. But again, like I said, I don't think I'm the only guy that would take a bullet for this man."

Also Monday, Irsay's oldest daughter offered her sentiments for the first time. In a letter emailed to season-ticket holders, Carlie Irsay-Gordon – who is filling her father's role in his absence – offered thanks and addressed potential concerns.

"The outpouring of support and expressions of love and concern for my father have been overwhelming," she wrote. "My sisters and our families join me in thanking all of you who have reached out to us during this time. We are optimistic that he will return to good health and we, joined by many of you, will be praying for his full recovery.

"In the meantime, I want to assure you that all the important work at our training facility will continue, without interruption. We have a strong, talented group of football professionals and an experienced and loyal front office team. Everyone will be working to complete a successful free agency season and draft in anticipation of an exciting football season."

Irsay is an important member of several influential ownership committees, including the legislative committee, which he chairs. He's also a member of the Super Bowl advisory committee and the finance committee.

On Monday, his presence was missed by his colleagues.

"He's been a very good owner for a long time," Giants co-owner John Mara said. "People listen to him when he gets up to speak. That's why we look forward to having him back."

"We've kind of grown up in this league together," said Goodell, a longtime league employee. "(Irsay) is someone who loves this game and he brings an important perspective to it."

Irsay still faces the potential for four felony drug charges stemming from his arrest. No formal charges have been filed yet though a court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday. Goodell will likely wait until the legal process moves forward before handing down any discipline.

In the meantime, he offered his take on the Irsay daughters, including Irsay-Gordon, who is attending this week's meetings.

"He has a great organization that he's proud of and three girls who are capable, smart and they are in the (meeting) room," Goodell said.

In the eyes of Pagano, Irsay's battle is an indication he's human, facing many of the issues many others are confronted by.

"Things are going to come down the pike for all of us and we're going to have to deal with circumstances we don't expect," Pagano said. "It happened to me a year ago. (Cancer) was the last thing I thought was going to come down the pike. I think whether you relate to Jim's story (or) my story, we're all going to have to deal with circumstances. That's part of life and that's what makes us stronger."

Roof proposal on hold

Discussion of the Colts' resolution to consider allowing the opening of retractable roofs at halftime of games was tabled and won't be further debated until the next owners meeting in May. The Colts had proposed a change to existing rules that require the decision to open retractable roofs – like the one atop Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis – to be made at least 90 minutes before a game.

No extra picks

The Colts, as expected, were not awarded any compensatory picks for May's draft. The picks are awarded based on a system that deals with the number of and quality of free agents a team signs and loses in the previous year.

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