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Colts owner Jim Irsay threatens to sue Stephen A. Smith, 'First Take' over criticism

Nick Profile Picby:Nick Geddes•11/22/23•

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Jim Irsay
Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is threatening to sue ESPN‘s “First Take” for comments made on Wednesday’s show concerning his 2014 DUI and drug possession arrest.

“First Take” star Stephen A. Smith and his fellow panelists spent just over five minutes discussing Irsay’s recent comments on HBO Sports about his arrest. Smith called Irsay “an entitled spoiled brat.”

“1st take, you’re 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,” Irsay tweeted. “My Grandparents came across Ellis Island, with just the shirt on their back. Penniless and escaping Jewish Concentration Camps… I grew up in a horrible home where both my brother and sister died in a car crash in 1971. I worked for my living/bought 30% of the Colts Bank Loan.

“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. You’re a nothing burger.”

Jim Irsay speaks out about 2014 arrest

In the wide-ranging interview, the 64-year-old explained why he pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

“Just to get it over with,” Irsay said, via ESPN.

Irsay then explained he is “prejudiced against because I’m a rich, white billionaire.”

“I am prejudiced against because I’m a rich, white billionaire,” Irsay said. “If I’m just the average guy down the block, they’re not pulling me in, of course not.”

Irsay added he didn’t care how his comments would be perceived.

“I don’t care what it sounds like,” Irsay said. “It’s the truth. … I could give a damn what people think how anything sounds or sounds like. The truth is the truth, and I know the truth.”