Former USC And NFL Quarterback Mark Sanchez Charged After Stabbing

LOS ANGELES, CA — Former USC and NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was charged with misdemeanors in connection with his role in a physical altercation with a 69-year-old man in downtown Indianapolis that left Sanchez with stab wounds, it was announced Sunday.

The Marion County prosecutor's office said Sunday it had charged Sanchez with battery with injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry of a vehicle, all misdemeanors.

"This incident should never have happened," said Prosecutor Ryan Mears. "What began as a disagreement between a 38-year-old former professional athlete and a 69-year-old man should not have escalated into violence or left anyone Seriously injured."

Mears pledged to "follow the facts and the law wherever they lead."

Sanchez, 38, was scheduled to be part of the broadcast crew for Sunday's game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, but was replaced by fellow Fox Sports analyst Brady Quinn, the network announced.

Sanchez was released from the hospital Sunday, according to TMZ. He was processed through the Indianapolis jail and released because his cash bond was already paid.

In a Saturday afternoon statement, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said, "After further investigation and following consultation with the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, IMPD arrested 38-year- old Mark Sanchez for his alleged role in this incident. Sanchez was arrested at the hospital for battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication, all of which are misdemeanors. All involved parties have been identified, and no further individuals are being sought by detectives."

The department urged reporters and others to use caution in discussing the case. "An arrest is merely an accusation, and Sanchez should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."

The Long Beach native, who grew up in Orange County and played football at Santa Margarita High School and later Mission Viejo High School, underwent surgery for his wounds, according to Fox59, a Fox News affiliate in Indianapolis.

Officers were dispatched at 12:30 a.m. Saturday to the 300 block of West Washington Street in response to a report of a person being stabbed, the IMPD reported. Upon arrival, they found two adult males -- one with lacerations to his face and the other with multiple stab wounds, according to Fox59.

The dispute allegedly began over Sanchez being upset that the 69-year- old man was parked in his work box truck at a loading dock to collect used cooking oil, court documents state.

As outlined in court papers, the older man "told police he was delivering food when Sanchez told him he needed to move and couldn't park where he was. That man told police Sanchez started threatening and following him and then attacked him. The man said he first tried to pepper spray Sanchez but it didn't work. He said it was at that time he defended himself with a knife. Police noted the man had a significant injury to his face."

The altercation and stabbing occurred in an alleyway near Loughmiller's Pub & Eatery in downtown Indianapolis. Sanchez reportedly suffered stab wounds to his torso and was treated at Eskenazi Hospital, the IndyStar reported.

Fox59 reported that investigators have reviewed hotel surveillance footage that appeared to show Sanchez approaching the truck from the alley before a fight broke out near a dumpster. The station added that the older man told police he used pepper spray in the altercation, but when Sanchez allegedly continued advancing, he thought his life was in danger, pulled out a knife and stabbed Sanchez several times.

The New York Post published photographs Sunday that the newspaper said were taken at the truck driver's hospital bed. They showed a man in an unwieldy metal neck brace with gruesome and serious injuries, including a deep, wide gash across the left side of his face and other apparent stab wounds to his stomach area.

Fox59 anchor Angela Ganote said his face was cut during the fight and his cheek was punctured.

Fox Sports and others affiliated with Sanchez noted his injury and hospitalization.

"Mark Sanchez 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," a network statement said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family's privacy during this time."

USC posted a statement on X which read, "The USC Football community sends our support to Mark and his family."

Sanchez was drafted by the New York Jets in 2009 with the fifth overall pick. The Jets made the AFC championship game in each of his first two seasons, but lost both times. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Washington.

He joined Fox Sports as a game analyst in 2021.

— City News Service