INDIANAPOLIS (WPVI) — Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez posted a $300 bond on Sunday while facing misdemeanor charges related to an altercation in downtown Indianapolis, where he was hospitalized after being stabbed.
According to online court records, Sanchez is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) said the arrest was made at the hospital after
additional investigation and consultation with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
“Sanchez was arrested on charges of battery resulting in injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and
public intoxication — all misdemeanors,” IMPD said in a statement.
Sequence of events, per the affidavit
According to the probable cause affidavit, the incident occurred in an alley near The Westin Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. The victim is an employee of a company that collects and recycles commercial cooking oil and was backing into the Westin loading dock at the time.
Surveillance camera footage reviewed by police shows Sanchez “grabbing and throwing” the man toward the hotel wall. The documents say the man defended himself after being thrown to the ground: he pepper-sprayed Sanchez; the spray appeared to work briefly, but Sanchez wiped his face and advanced again. Believing “this guy is trying to kill me,” the man pulled a knife and stabbed Sanchez two to three times as Sanchez approached. The man suffered a cut to his cheek, was treated, and later released; Sanchez, 38, remains hospitalized and has not been transferred to the adult detention center, IMPD said. Earlier, Fox Sports said Sanchez was in stable condition.
Context and related information
Sanchez was in Indianapolis as a Fox Sports analyst for Sunday’s game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Earlier, police said they were investigating a “physical disturbance” around 12:30 a.m. Saturday in the busy Wholesale District near the Indiana Statehouse; two men were injured — one with lacerations, the other with suspected stab wounds — and both received medical treatment.
In a later update, police said all involved parties have been identified, and detectives are not seeking additional individuals. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decision.
Career and statements
Drafted by the New York Jets in the 2009 NFL Draft, Sanchez played four seasons with the Jets before stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Washington over a 10-year career. He spent two seasons with the Eagles as Nick Foles’s backup.
Fox Sports thanked medical staff for their care and asked the public to respect the privacy of Sanchez and his family. The New York Jets also posted: “Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery.”
