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Indianapolis Colts vice chairman/owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has taken over the daily operations of the Indianapolis Colts after her father, Jim Irsay, voluntarily checked himself into a "health care facility" (a.k.a., a drug rehabilitation clinic, or so it sounds).
In the case of temporary absence of owner Jim Irsay, Carly Irsay Gordan is the principal of authority for the Colts
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) March 18, 2014
Jim Irsay was arrested Sunday night for driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance. He is looking at potentially four felony charges of possession and one misdemeanor charge of intoxicated driving. Irsay will also likely face discipline from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the form of a fine and/or a suspension. However, that Irsay himself checked into a rehab facility might compel Goodell to show leniency.
If Irsay is in a true rehab clinic, he'll have little to no contact with the Colts franchise, nor will he be able to function as the full-time owner. Thus, the move was made to have his daughter run the team in his absence.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon is one of three Irsay daughters that have the title "vice chairman/owner." She also has represented the Colts at NFL Owners Meetings for 10 years and is the wife of attorney Zach Gordon. They have three children.
The transition to Irsay-Gordon is a glimpse into the future, so-to-speak. Just like when Jim Irsay inherited the ownership reigns from his father, Robert Irsay, it is now Carlie's turn to run the family business. It is assumed that this transition is only temporary, and that, prior to the start of the 2014 NFL regular season, Jim Irsay will return to his job of owning the team. However, as with all things in the NFL - and life in general - the wise policy is to never assume.
For now, and for the immediate future, Carlie Irsay-Gordon is in charge. How this will affect the Colts' plans in free agency and for the 2014 NFL Draft remains to be seen.