New details have emerged in the case of former NFL quarterback and current FOX Sports analyst Mark Sanchez, who was stabbed on Saturday, October 4, then later arrested by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police while recovering in the hospital.
On Sunday, October 5, Sanchez was charged by Marion County prosecutors for his alleged role in the incident. He has been charged with battery with injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry of a vehicle. An initial hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, with a bond set at $300.
According to a FOX59 report, Indianapolis police were called to Loughmiller’s Pub and Eatery at around 12:30 a.m., where they found Sanchez, 38, suffering from multiple stab wounds to his upper torso.
A 69-year-old man was also found nearby, with cut wounds on his face. The man was working as a delivery driver between the Westin Hotel and the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown at the time.
Former NFL Quarterback Mark Sanchez Arrested at Hospital After Stabbing
According to an affidavit for probable cause obtained by FOX59, Sanchez allegedly approached the man at a loading dock, and the two were seen talking before the interaction turned physical, to the point where the man allegedly felt that he was in danger.
The 69-year-old, who has not been identified publicly, told detectives that Sanchez appeared intoxicated and smelled of alcohol. He used pepper spray to defend himself, but when Sanchez continued advancing, he pulled a knife and stabbed Sanchez several times in self-defense.
According to the affidavit, the truck driver was thrown against a dumpster and onto the ground, before Sanchez “took off.”
Sanchez was arrested by the IMPD on Saturday at a hospital. He was recovering and in stable condition at the time, according to a statement by FOX Sports.
“We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support,” FOX Sports said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”
In a statement released on Sunday, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said the disagreement “should not have escalated into violence or left anyone seriously injured.”
“As with any case, we will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead,” the statement continued.
Former NFL Quarterback Mark Sanchez Stabbed, Rushed to Hospital
Sanchez played in the NFL for eight seasons, most notably taking the New York Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in his first two years in the league after he was drafted fifth overall in 2009. Sanchez also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders before retiring from the league in 2019.
He has worked as an NFL analyst for FOX Sports since 2021 and was scheduled to be part of the broadcast team for Sunday’s game between the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. FOX Sports has since announced that Brady Quinn will replace Sanchez on the broadcast.
Quinn, 40, spent four seasons as a quarterback in the NFL and has worked for FOX Sports as a broadcaster since 2019. He played college football at Notre Dame and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with the Browns, then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs for one season.
