NY Giants Co-Owner -- I Believe NFL Will Punish Jim Irsay

NY Giants co-owner Steve Tisch says he believes Colts owner Jim Irsay WILL face disciplinary action from the NFL over his DUI arrest -- telling TMZ Sports he believes the commissioner wants to "make a statement."

Tisch was out in L.A. Tuesday when he told us Jim's a "great guy" ... and he thinks his decision to enter a treatment center will make his life "a lot better."

But when it came to punishment from the NFL, Tisch explained ... "I can't speak on the commissioner's behalf ... I don't know what he's going to do ... but I feel he's going to do something."

"I think he's gonna make a statement."

FYI -- in the past 4 years, at least 3 executives from two NFL teams have been suspended by the league for at least 30 days because of DUI arrests. Because Irsay is an owner, he could face an even harsher punishment from the league.