'It wasn’t an overdose': Colts owner Jim Irsay discusses his health issues, NFL Draft with Fox59
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay says he's on the mend and wanted to clarify some of the details surrounding his medical episode from late last year.
“I want to let the fans and Colts nation know that I’m in good shape and ... I have my hands on the reins (of the franchise) in a strong way,’’ Irsay told Fox59 on Monday.
Police and paramedics responded to a call from Irsay's Carmel home on Dec. 8. Irsay said he was “treating a leg injury" that had developed a serious hematoma. The police report noted a possible overdose.
“It wasn’t an overdose," Irsay said. “I don’t know why when you have your name in the paper in the past, people throw that out there quickly. I don’t pay attention to it all that much, but I don’t think it’s fair."
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Irsay has undergone surgery for a back/leg issue, and the recovery required a hospital stay. The team owner said he has been home for a while, but his recovery will keep him away from team headquarters for this week's NFL Draft.
He says, however, his presence will be felt.
“There’s so much technology nowadays," he said. "There’s a virtual reality where I can literally be in the draft room and Chris is behind me and Shane is in front of me. I could be in there ... I plan on calling the No. 1 guy."
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The Colts hold the No. 15 overall pick and won't rule out moving up to select Marvin Harrison Jr., the son of the Colts Hall of Fame receiver. However, Irsay acknowledges such a move would be difficult because of how much draft capital the Colts would have to give up.
About one month after the call from Irsay's home, the team reported he would miss a Jim Irsay Collection concert in Los Angeles because of a "serious respiratory illness." Rumors of an overdose persisted.
“I know what the situation is,’’ Irsay said. “It’s not a situation like that. I’ve had 27 surgeries in the last seven or eight years. No one ever wants to talk about that."
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts owner Jim Irsay discusses his health issues, NFL Draft
