Indianapolis Colts' principal owner, Jim Irsay, is not a stranger to controversy. Ever since he decided to become a public figure, it has been impossible for his name to be out of scandal.
The latest issue, however, has many people taking exception. A USA Today column even branded his latest rant as "unhinged" for stepping into the territory of sexism and racism. Columnist Nancy Armour wrote:
"Congratulations, Jim Irsay.
"Your unhinged rant has earned you a commemorative dog whistle. Given the lawyers handling the racial discrimination case against the NFL some serious heartburn, too, even before they sat down for Thanksgiving dinner."
The latest rant has people talking about Irsay in a negative light. Probably worse than the time his involvement with illegal drugs surfaced a decade ago.
But what triggered it? What started everything? Here's everything you need to know.
White billionaire man being profiled?
First Take's Stephen A. Smith and Kimberley A. Martin are involved in this issue.
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The duo criticized Irsay in their show for claiming he was profiled by the police in 2014 when he was arrested for DUI.
He said he was "prejudiced against because I am a rich white billionaire."
Many found this ridiculous, and Smith and Martin had the platform to say what many people think.
Smith and Martin's ridicule of the ridiculous claim
Martin found Irsay's claims on the HBO interview a mockery of what legit minorities are going through these days. For that, he called the Colts owner "out of touch" and shaded the NFL for allowing him to speak recklessly in the media.
She also alluded to Irsay's offseason row with the team's wide receiver Jonathan Taylor over contract negotiations.
"What's frustrating is his comments, exemplify exactly what people think - NFL owners are detached," she said. "Just a total lack of awareness of their privilege and the flippancy of how they discuss their privilege. He came off like he's a victim. And that anyone who has had as many opportunities as he has had share just by virtue of his name, the family."
Smith, for his part, referred to Irsay as a selfish and entitled brat.
"That's really what it comes down to. And in the end, he's lucky that he's a national football league owner because they print money for crying out loud."
Irsay to sue the show
The 64-year-old billionaire would not allow that he does not have the last say on the issue. He stands by what he said in HBO that he was profiled.
His emotions might have gotten the best of him as he crossed some line that some X users and writers say is borderline racist and sexist.
Irsay wants to sue First Take and refers to Martin as the "woman" instead of calling her by her name.
1st take,your gonna get your ass Sued,because there was NO Alcohol,No illegal Drugs/ $29,000 dollars is low for me to be carrying in ,2014 arrest/I give away $2000-$10,000 dollars to the homeless and needed on the street,All the time and pass it on,making the world better❤️
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 22, 2023
"And on 1st Take,the Woman that preceded Stephen A... how dare you pretend to know me; I don't know your name and I don't care to. If my Black Mother Dorthy was still alive..you'd be in some big Hot Water! You are mean and ugly Your a Nothing Burger."
Was Irsay out of line?
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