DEA may question Irsay in probe

INDIANAPOLIS -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is investigating Indianapolis physicians and pharmacies suspected of providing excessive prescriptions for painkillers, a prosecutor said.\nThe Indianapolis Star reported that Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who earlier this week admitted a past addiction to painkillers, may be questioned in connection with the probe. It did not identify its sources.\nMarion County Prosecutor Scott Newman confirmed the Drug Enforcement Agency probe, but officials in his office and the U.S. attorney's office in Indianapolis would not say whether Irsay was under investigation.\nIrsay, 43, has not been charged with any crimes.\nNewman's chief deputy, John Commons, told The Star that Irsay was not likely to face criminal charges because he apparently had a prescription for the painkillers. State law says having or using prescribed drugs is legal unless the patient lies to the doctor or forges a prescription.\n"We don't charge people who get valid prescriptions," Commons said. "We were satisfied that we had no need to go any further."\nThe Star reported that Commons and Marion County Sheriff Jack Cottey met with then-Colts security director Michael Zunk in August, a few days after learning of the DEA investigation, and learned that Irsay was in rehab.\nThe DEA's top regional official, Rick Sanders, refused to say whether the DEA is investigating any case involving Irsay. U.S. Attorney Susan Brooks also would not comment.\nNFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Irsay had discussed his problems with commissioner Paul Tagliabue and "voluntarily sought professional treatment to help overcome his dependency on certain prescription drugs."\n"We have no reason to believe that Mr. Irsay is currently the target of any investigation," Aiello said.\nIrsay acknowledged Tuesday he became dependent on prescription painkillers, and said he has overcome the problem since undergoing treatment this past summer.\nIrsay's statement said: "After several years of orthopedic operations and procedures, accompanied by long bouts of chronic pain, I became dependent on prescription pain medications."\nHe said he sought professional help at a treatment center outside Indiana.\nIndianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, who is negotiating with Irsay to keep the Colts in the city, said he had seen no indication of Irsay's addiction and he would be hesitant to complete a deal if Irsay was being investigated.\n"It would cause me to pause and take a very close look at the situation," Peterson said.\nThe NFL's drug policy, which covers illegal drugs, alcohol and prescription drugs, says substance abuse is detrimental to football. The policy covers players and employees, but owners are covered by the league's bylaws and can be subject to review by the commissioner.\nNumerous players, including former Colts player Shawn King, have been tested and suspended under the policy, and their punishments have been announced publicly.\nColts president Bill Polian said Wednesday the team had nothing more to say about the situation.\n"There's really no need to comment further except to say that Jim and his family have our wholehearted support to move forward," he said.