Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was arrested and hospitalized with stab wounds following an altercation in Indianapolis.
Sanchez faces felony assault charges for his role in the fight with a 69-year-old man.
Police said Sanchez initiated the fight, and the other man involved said he acted in self-defense.
The family of Mark Sanchez said Oct. 6 it is has been ‘deeply distressing’ since the ex-NFL quarterback and FOX broadcaster was arrested after an altercation with a 69-year-old man in Indianapolis that left Sanchez recovering in the hospital with stab wounds.
Earlier Tuesday Oct. 6, Marion County prosecutors announced fifth-degree felony assault charges against Sanchez, who initially faced misdemeanors for his role in the fight that took place near a downtown hotel early Saturday morning.
‘This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved. Mark and our family are incredibly grateful for the concern, love, and support we’ve received over the past few days. Mark remains under medical care for the serious injuries he sustained and is focused on his recovery as the legal process continues. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and medical staff,’ Mark’s brother, Nick Sanchez Jr., wrote on behalf of his family, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Police said Sanchez started the fight with the truck driver, who pepper-sprayed Sanchez before pulling out a knife to defend himself. The former New York Jets quarterback pleaded not guilty to his charges, which include unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle, public intoxication, battery resulting in bodily injury and battery resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to an affidavit obtained by USA TODAY Sports, Sanchez allegedly threw the man into a wall and onto the ground. The man told the police in a statement that he feared for his life and used his knife in self defense, according to the affidavit, which was updated the morning of Oct. 6 with Level 5 felony battery charges.
Sanchez remained hospitalized in stable condition as of Oct. 6. He joined FOX Sports as a game analyst in 2021 after a 10-year NFL career and was in Indianapolis to call the Colts’ contest Oct. 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
A court date for Tuesday, Oct. 7, has been rescheduled to November.