Former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez was arrested Saturday following a violent incident in Indianapolis. The 38-year-old, who was stabbed in the chest, now faces multiple charges. Sanchez was hospitalised and later underwent surgery. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final decision on formal charges.
Mark Sanchez arrested after stabbing incident in Indianapolis
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the altercation occurred just after midnight outside Loughmiller’s Pub & Eatery. Sanchez reportedly confronted a 69-year-old delivery driver in an alley, telling him to move his car. The driver, who was making a food delivery, told authorities that Sanchez showed aggressive behaviour. After pepper spray failed to stop Sanchez, the driver said he acted in self-defence and stabbed him once in the chest.
Police confirmed that both men sustained injuries. “The incident involved two adult males, resulting in one man receiving lacerations and the other sustaining injuries consistent with stab wounds,” the department said. So far, authorities have reviewed surveillance footage and accounts from witnesses. “Detectives believe this was an isolated incident between the two men and not a random act of violence,” the police said at the time. Sanchez is currently being held on charges of battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication, the NYT reported.
Authorities have not yet said whether alcohol played a role, though Sanchez faces a public intoxication charge. Investigators are asking anyone with video or information about the encounter to contact the police or submit tips to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.
In his statement to Fox, Sanchez said he “was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition. We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”
Fox Sports confirmed Sanchez was in stable condition, saying, “We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”
Who is Sanchez?
Sanchez, the No. 5 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, spent four seasons with the New York Jets, leading the team to two AFC Championship appearances. He later played briefly for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Washington, and in 2019, said goodbye to his NFL career. He joined Fox Sports in July 2021 as a game analyst.
Sanchez was in Indianapolis to cover Sunday’s Raiders-Colts game. In his absence, Brady Quinn will handle broadcasting duties. The NFL and former teammates expressed support online. Former Jets receiver Keyshawn Johnson wrote, “Damn man… Prayers up for my guy and USC brother Mark Sanchez. This is ridiculous!” Former Colts punter Pat McAfee added, “Man… this is heartbreaking and scary. GODSPEED on your recovery.”
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said he is monitoring the investigation. “Our city takes pride in being a destination that draws people from near and far, but it’s important that everyone who visits or enjoys our community does so respectfully and peacefully,” he said.