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Jim Irsay Makes Statement on Controversial Religious Freedom Act

By Luke Schultheis

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Yesterday, we noted that the Indianapolis Colts and their owner Jim Irsay had surprisingly remained silent on Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which has caused widespread controversy throughout the state and nation. However, Jim Irsay finally took to his Twitter account today to issue a statement:

Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay attends the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts by virtue of Jim Irsay, like the Indiana Pacers and NCAA before them, have now issued a statement that advocates for inclusiveness, tolerance, non-discrimination, and diversity. As a result, some of the key Indianapolis based sports organizations are taking a strong stance. While the Colts aren’t necessarily “picking a side” here, they are publicly supporting equality for all Colts fans.

It’s better a bit late than never, as many members of the national media including ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio were beginning to wonder why the Colts, and specifically their social media savvy and outspoken owner in Jim Irsay, had yet to comment on this tumultuous issue. The Colts assuredly don’t want to get involved in a political controversy; however, given their high importance to the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana as a whole, such a statement was arguably necessary.

While the Colts have insisted that their recently launched “ONE” Campaign has nothing to do with the religious freedom bill controversy and is purely coincidence in timing, one can’t help but link some of the same held ideals that are true in both cases:

"“It was created to signify that although we come from different backgrounds and our journeys are all unique, there is a common thread that runs through each of us,” said Stephanie Pemberton, Colts Senior Director of Marketing."

Whatever the case may be, Colts fans can take solace in knowing that Colts owner Jim Irsay is a strong proponent of equality and diversity when it comes to the great members of Colts Nation:

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