Over the last few decades, the Indianapolis Colts have been a controlling franchise, one that withholds information and tells you only what they want.
Bill Polian has a weekly radio show on Monday nights, and television show that airs on Saturday night.
Colts Vice-Chairman Bill Polian primarily, hates the local media. He is buddy-buddy with the like’s of ESPN’s Chris Mortenson, SI’s Peter King and others. He’s yet to go on any Indy sports talk show (unless I’m mistaken), but he has no problem talking with a station in New York.
A question I want answered…do any other general managers or vice chairman for NFL teams have a radio or television show instead of the coach? There’s something fishy about that. Everywhere you look, it’s the coaches who have weekly shows as part of their contract, like the Kevin Wilson, Tom Crean or Matt Painter show. Heck even former Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien use to have one.
For such a small market, the Colts are so restrictive about the team and what goes on. I can’t imagine this same type of style lasting in New York or Chicago. In those big cities, there are multiple newspapers, sports talk shows, and dedicated sports networks. Indy has just one voice in the city that is willing to speak out and that’s Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz. He’s it.
What many media members and fans are wondering, who is in control of the Colts–owner Jim Irsay, Vice-Chairman Bill Polian, General Manager Chris Polian (Bill’s son), or head coach Jim Caldwell?
This topic was brought to light again after cornerback Justin Tryon broke the news on his twitter account Wednesday, that he was waived by the team. He played in 12 games with the Colts last season, starting six of them. He believes it wasn’t his play that got him cut but something else.
“I thank the Colts die hard fans for the love they’re showing me! I’M A STARTER yes.. Caldwell wanted to start me but it wasn’t up to him! Now done with that!! I’m def ready for the next chapter in this wonderful story!! IM BLESSED!! lay off of Caldwell he’s a great coach! Peace”
Today, Jim Caldwell was asked about Tryon’s comments and where he stands in the team hierarchy.
“Well, probably without being boastful or seeming as if that I’m reacting to that particular statement, but I can just tell you that if I wanted him to start, he would have started. If I wanted him to be here, he’d still be here, plain and simple. I’m not going to carry on a back-and-forth, you know, because the young man did a good job for us while he was here and I hope he’s able to land with someone else.”
Jim Irsay has over 70,000 followers on twitter where he breaks news, posts song lyrics and gives away prizes to fans.
Colts owner Jim Irsay is very outspoken, especially on twitter where he tweets whatever is on his mind. He didn’t like the fact many were questioning the control of the horseshoes.
“Bill Polian is 1 day,going 2 The Hall of Fame,he knows what he’s doing,and Coach Caldwell makes final call on who plays n who doesn’t,period. I already told some of u guys Coach Caldwell decides who plays,I would know,I own the team2)Kerry is still tying recover,Curtis MIGHT play. There is no chaos/disarray,thinking that is a delusion maker,nothing but unity n believe,that u could c sunday nite,fighting thru adversity.”
I hate to say it, but it seems like the team is in a bit of disarray. I get the feel that Irsay, the Polian’s and Caldwell are not on the same page.
Take the signing of Kerry Collins for instance. When asked about the Colts signing a free agent quarterback, he said he knew of nothing. Then just a few minutes after it concluded, Irsay tweeted that they had signed Collins. Either Caldwell lied and avoided the question or he wasn’t aware of what was going on.
We all know the Colts are super-secretive when it comes to any information. Yesterday, safety Melvin Bullitt called a couple news stations in town to report he was going on injured-reserve for the year. It was a few hours later before the Colts finally released a statement.
So who has the power? I’m not sure they even know. If I had to take a guess at things right now, I’d say Bill Polian makes most personnel changes and Peyton Manning is a tremendous influence. Then I suppose Caldwell plays the players he’s dealt and does a reasonably good job at that. Irsay gives approval whether to pay the guys, and that’s about it. Irsay is well-informed, as he should be, and is involved only when money enters the equation.
Whatever the order, things appear chaotic and unsettled. It’s amazing that the Colts can toy with the local media because the team understands that is what fans want to see so the media will cover it. If any player is involved with a charity or camp, the local media will be there.
Two years ago, they wouldn’t allow media to tweet during training camp or record anything besides stretching. That’s not very informative to the fan who shells out hundreds of dollars to watch their team.
I hope it is a while, but I’m very anxious to see how the Colts have to change their media approach once they are losing again.