Mark Sanchez will not call an NFL game for FOX this week while the analyst and former quarterback faces a felony battery charge stemming from what authorities said was a physical altercation over a parking spot last week in Indianapolis.
Sanchez was initially charged with misdemeanor battery resulting in injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. On Monday, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced a new felony charge of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, adding that the investigation regarding the incident remains ongoing.
‘Once we were provided with additional information about the victim’s current medical condition, it became clear to us that additional charges needed to be filed,’ Mears said in a news conference.
Sanchez has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The felony charge carries a potential sentence of one to six years in prison.
A police affidavit obtained by USA TODAY Sports alleges that Sanchez, 38, confronted a 69-year-old man who had parked his work truck in the loading dock of a downtown Indianapolis hotel. The truck driver, who told police he feared for his life, pepper-sprayed Sanchez and then stabbed him multiple times, police said.
Sanchez was hospitalized and arrested later the same day. Mears said the truck driver sustained ‘very severe injuries’ in the altercation.
On Monday, Perry Tole – the alleged victim – filed a civil lawsuit in Marion Superior Court against both Sanchez and FOX Corp. He alleged that he suffered ‘suffered severe permanent disfigurement’ as a result of the incident, including damage to his head, jaw and neck.
Sanchez had been in Indianapolis to call Sunday’s Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts matchup. He was subsequently replaced by Brady Quinn.
‘This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved,’ Sanchez’s brother, Nick Sanchez Jr., wrote in a statement. ‘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.’
Both Curt Menefee and Charissa Thompson addressed the incident during FOX’s Sunday pregame coverage with identical statements.
‘Friday night in Indianapolis, one of our team members, Mark Sanchez, was involved in an incident that, to be honest, we’re all trying to wrap our heads around,’ each said. ‘At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, his family, and all those involved.’
Sanchez played for five teams across a 10-year NFL career, which he began by leading the New York Jets to consecutive AFC championship game appearances. He began working as a FOX Sports game analyst in 2021.