Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez has been released from the hospital and taken into police custody following a violent altercation in downtown Indianapolis that left both him and a 69-year-old truck driver injured, according to multiple reports.
The incident, which occurred early Saturday morning, led to Sanchez’s arrest on several misdemeanor charges, including battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.
Authorities with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Sanchez, 38, was taken into custody after receiving medical treatment for stab wounds.
TMZ reported that the former New York Jets quarterback was processed through jail later that day. His attorney reportedly paid a $300 cash bond for his release.
The confrontation began near a loading dock in downtown Indianapolis, where Sanchez was allegedly staying ahead of Fox Sports’ broadcast of the Colts-Raiders game.
According to an affidavit obtained by ESPN, Sanchez confronted the truck driver, telling him that he was not permitted to stand in the area, allegedly citing instructions from a hotel manager.
The driver told police that Sanchez appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol and slurred his words.
As the situation escalated, the driver said he became frightened by Sanchez’s aggressive behavior.
The affidavit stated that the man used pepper spray on Sanchez to defend himself, but Sanchez allegedly continued to advance.
The driver claimed that when he felt his life was in danger, he pulled a knife and stabbed Sanchez “two or three times” in self-defense.
He told investigators that during the struggle, he was thrown against a dumpster and feared for his life before seeing a “look of shock” on Sanchez’s face as the former quarterback fled the scene.
TMZ later reported that Sanchez was found nearby, suffering from multiple stab wounds to his right torso.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and stabilized.
The truck driver was also hospitalized with a deep cut to his cheek and additional facial injuries.
Photos shared by Fox59 anchor Angela Ganote showed the driver’s face and neck covered in blood, revealing the severity of the wounds.
A source claimed Sanchez had been behaving erratically shortly before the altercation, according to Fox59.
The source alleged that Sanchez was seen doing “wind sprints” in the alleyway near the loading dock just before the confrontation occurred.
Police sources also told the outlet that Sanchez was not fully cooperative with officers responding to the scene.
TMZ’s Michael J. Babcock reported that Sanchez had no memory of what happened that night.
A person who spoke with Sanchez the following morning said the former quarterback was “very out of it” due to sedation while receiving medical care.
After the incident, the Daily Mail reported that Fox Sports released an official statement acknowledging that Sanchez had been injured.
“Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition,” the statement read.
“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.”
While Sanchez was recovering, Fox Sports replaced him on the Colts-Raiders broadcast with fellow analyst Brady Quinn.
The network did not issue additional comment regarding Sanchez’s arrest but confirmed that he would not appear on the Sunday broadcast.
Indianapolis police officials commended the work of the officers and detectives who handled the case.
The Daily Mail further noted that Chief Chris Bailey of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement, “Proud of our IMPD officers and detectives who stayed focused on our mission and not the noise.”
“Their professionalism represents the best of our department. IMPD will continue to be a steady, reliable presence in our city because our community deserves nothing less.”
