Shocking new revelations have emerged about the medical professional at the centre of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay's ketamine-related health emergency last December. Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a California-based physician, has been identified as the doctor prescribing the powerful anaesthetic to the NFL billionaire.
Troubled Medical History Unveiled
According to documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Dr. Haroutunian has faced significant professional scrutiny throughout his career. The 77-year-old physician was previously disciplined by the Medical Board of California in 2015 for operating an impaired practitioner program while himself being addicted to prescription medications.
The medical board found that Haroutunian had been "consuming alcoholic beverages, Ambien, and Norco in quantities excessive for his age and physical condition" while overseeing addiction treatment for other medical professionals. This stunning revelation raises serious questions about the medical oversight provided to one of the NFL's most prominent owners.
The December Emergency
Jim Irsay, 64, was found unresponsive and struggling to breathe at his Carmel, Indiana home on December 8th. First responders administered naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, which successfully revived him. While ketamine itself isn't an opioid, the emergency response suggests authorities suspected possible opioid involvement.
Police reports from the incident documented the discovery of multiple prescription medications in Irsay's home, though specific drugs were not identified in the documents. The Colts organization initially attributed Irsay's health crisis to a "severe respiratory illness," but the truth appears far more complex.
A Pattern of Questionable Practices
Dr. Haroutunian's professional troubles extend beyond his 2015 disciplinary case. The physician, who previously served as medical director of the Betty Ford Center, now operates a private practice in Rancho Mirage, California. His specialization in addiction medicine makes the ketamine prescriptions to Irsay particularly concerning to medical ethics experts.
"The combination of a physician with a history of substance abuse issues prescribing powerful psychoactive medications to high-profile clients raises red flags across the medical community," noted a healthcare ethics specialist who wished to remain anonymous.
NFL's Silent Response
The Indianapolis Colts organization and the NFL headquarters have maintained conspicuous silence regarding Irsay's health crisis and its connection to ketamine treatment. League officials have declined to comment on whether they're investigating the matter or considering any action regarding Irsay's capacity to lead the franchise.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges sports organizations face when addressing substance abuse issues among ownership and executive leadership. The lack of transparency has left fans and analysts questioning the accountability measures in place for NFL team owners.
As the story continues to develop, medical and sports communities alike are watching closely, awaiting further developments in this troubling case that bridges professional sports, medical ethics, and substance abuse treatment.
