Ex-NFL star Mark Sanchez charged with battery after being stabbed, Indianapolis police say

By Joseph Tanfani

(Reuters) -Former NFL quarterback and present Fox Sports activities analyst Mark Sanchez was charged with battery after a combat in downtown Indianapolis that left him hospitalized with stab wounds on Saturday shortly after midnight, police and the TV community mentioned.

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Indianapolis police charged Sanchez, 38, with battery with damage, illegal entry of a motorized vehicle and public intoxication, all misdemeanors. Sanchez continues to be within the hospital and was not booked within the county jail, police mentioned in an announcement, including that closing choices on prices will probably be made by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Workplace.

The prosecutor’s workplace didn’t instantly return a request for remark.

An earlier assertion from Indianapolis police mentioned two males had been in a “bodily disturbance” in downtown Indianapolis round 12:30 a.m., with one receiving stab wounds and the opposite cuts. A press release from Fox Sports activities mentioned Sanchez was in secure situation within the hospital.

Police mentioned the combat was “an remoted incident between the 2 males and never a random act of violence.” The opposite man’s identify was not launched. Indianapolis police don’t determine victims or suspects “until the suspect is arrested, charged or being sought,” the assertion mentioned.

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The second man instructed police he was making a meals supply when Sanchez took subject with the place he was parked and have become aggressive, in accordance with a report on the Fox59 native TV station. The motive force mentioned he tried unsuccessfully to defend himself with pepper spray earlier than stabbing Sanchez, Fox59 reported. The account couldn’t be confirmed by Reuters.

Sanchez performed 10 seasons within the NFL, beginning with the New York Jets for 5 years earlier than brief stints with a number of different franchises. He has not performed within the Nationwide Soccer League since 2018.

He was slated to cowl the Sunday sport between the Indianapolis Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders, in accordance with Fox Sports activities. “We’re deeply grateful to the medical crew for his or her distinctive care and assist,” the community mentioned in an announcement posted on X.

“Sending our ideas and like to Mark Sanchez and his household. Hoping for a speedy restoration, 6,” mentioned the Jets, referencing his jersey quantity.

(Reporting by Joseph Tanfani in New York; Modifying by Rod Nickel and Matthew Lewis)