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Updates from Saturday, June 7

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk), Irsay can expect punishment to come down from the league too:

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has not yet handed down discipline to Colts owner Jim Irsay, who was arrested and currently faces charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. But there’s an expectation around the league that when Goodell does act, he’ll suspend Irsay for about half a season. That’s the word from Adam Schefter of ESPN, who reported that people around the league believe Goodell will give Irsay a suspension of six to eight games and a fine of about $1 million.

Original Text

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay reportedly has had his license suspended for one year following his March 16 arrest in Carmel, Indiana, for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance.

Mark Alesia and Tim Evans of the Indianapolis Star reported the news Thursday, citing a Hamilton County court as the judiciary entity that assessed the punishment. The reason behind the license suspension is that Irsay refused to submit to a blood test upon his arrest, which automatically strips him of his license for a year, per state law.

The suspension of Irsay's license actually began on May 27. Fox 59 reported on May 23 that Irsay is charged with two misdemeanors, which could incur a 60-day jail sentence. However, criminal defense attorney Jeff Mendes believes Irsay won't be in too much legal trouble.

"From what I know of Mr. Irsay’s background he’s probably going to get, if he takes a plea to one of these charges, he’ll just get probation," said Mendes.

Irsay, 54, has still yet to be disciplined by the NFL for his conduct, which made NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith rather cross. Smith recently responded to commissioner Roger Goodell's lack of action, per the NFL on ESPN:

Jeff Schultz of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was critical in his analysis of the situation after learning of Irsay's punishment:

Despite this run-in with the law and his license being taken away, Irsay should have no problems getting around. Given his financial means, he can be driven around wherever he needs to go. What happens with regard to the NFL has to be much more of a concern, though.

Goodell could decide to suspend Irsay, but the delay in assessing a penalty shows that the league office is exercising maximum caution in this instance. The commissioner has been adamant about player discipline during his tenure, and since Irsay is an owner, there will be a watershed precedent established with whatever Goodell decides to do.

The Colts have proven to be one of the most stable franchises in the league for almost two decades. Provided the team continues to produce on the field, led by young star quarterback Andrew Luck, the Irsay controversy should be a minimal distraction. If Irsay is absent for any period of time, though, that potential hiatus could impact organizational infrastructure.

It will be an interesting development to monitor regardless as Indianapolis gears up to chase its third straight playoff berth.