Before he was arrested for driving while intoxicated and felony drug possession, Colts owner Jim Irsay proposed that the NFL change its rules to allow teams with retractable roofs to open or close the roofs at halftime. But Irsay’s arrest and subsequent decision to check himself into a treatment facility means he won’t be there to advocate for his proposal at the league meeting.
NFL Network reports that the proposal has been tabled because the league wanted to have Irsay there to discuss the idea with the other owners before the owners vote on it.
Under current NFL rules, teams with retractable roofs must declare at least 90 minutes before kickoff whether the roof will be open or closed for that day. Teams can’t change their minds during the games, regardless of changing weather conditions. Irsay’s proposal is to permit a home team with a retractable roof to open or close its roof at halftime.
That rule could give Indianapolis (as well as the other teams with retractable roofs, Dallas, Houston and Arizona) an advantage. For instance, if the Colts were to take an early lead with the roof closed during a rainy, windy day in Indianapolis, they might open the roof at halftime on the theory that it would make it harder for the opposing team to come from behind in conditions that make it harder to pass.
So it seems like a long shot that the rest of the owners would agree to go along with a rule that aids the four teams that have retractable roofs. But until Irsay is able to attend a league meeting, the owners won’t vote on the matter.
