Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez’s family broke their silence two days after he allegedly assaulted a 69-year-old delivery driver in downtown Indianapolis.
“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’s brother, Nick, said in a statement to TMZ on Monday, October 6.
Nick continued, “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.”
As Us Weekly previously reported, the former NFL quarterback allegedly attacked the driver during a dispute in an alley between the Westin Hotel and the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 4.
Former NFL Quarterback Mark Sanchez Stabbed, Rushed to Hospital
According to court documents obtained by Us, the driver told police that he thought Mark, 38, was “trying to kill” him. When officers arrived at a pub following the incident, they discovered Mark with multiple stab wounds on his upper torso and the older man bleeding from cuts to his face. Investigators said the man was collecting used cooking oil between the two hotels when Mark approached him, seeming intoxicated.
Per the docs, Mark told the man he’d spoken to hotel management and said that his truck was not supposed to be there. Per security footage, Mark climbed into the driver’s side of the truck. The men circled the vehicle before the confrontation became violent near a dumpster.
Speaking with police, the man claimed he first used pepper spray against Mark, but then pulled out a knife and stabbed the athlete in self-defense.
On the morning of Sunday, October 5, Marion County prosecutors formally charged Mark with three misdemeanors: battery resulting in injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. He was arrested at the hospital and later taken to jail and released on a $300 cash bond. As of Monday, one of his charges was upgraded to a level 5 felony — which means he could spend up to five years in prison.
Mark Sanchez, Fox Sued by Alleged Victim in Indianapolis Stabbing Incident
A court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7.
Us has reached out to Mark’s legal team for comment.
After the alleged attack, the driver’s family — who requested anonymity — showed graphic photos of his injuries to the Indiana-based outlet FOX59. They said the man, who suffered a deep laceration across his cheek that pierced his tongue, is “recovering but traumatized.”
Mark previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins before retiring from professional football in 2019. He currently works as a Fox Sports analyst and had been scheduled to appear on TV during the Sunday-night showdown between the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders.
