Mark Sanchez charged after being stabbed in altercation, in stable condition, officials say
Mark Sanchez walks on the field before a game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars in December 2021. Credit: AP/Kyusung Gong
Former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was arrested Saturday and charged with three misdemeanors over his role in an altercation that resulted in him being stabbed, officials said. Sanchez was hospitalized and was in stable condition after the overnight incident in downtown Indianapolis.
Marion County prosecutors charged Sanchez with battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication, the office announced on Sunday morning.
"This incident never should have happened," Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement that his office posted to X. "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. As with any case, we will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead."
Sanchez, a Fox broadcaster, was in Indianapolis to call Sunday’s game between the Colts and the Raiders.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Saturday said Sanchez was still in the hospital and has not been booked into the Adult Detention Center. An update on his condition was not immediately available on Sunday.
“All involved parties have been identified and no other individuals are being sought by detectives,” according to a police statement.
TMZ first reported that Sanchez was stabbed. FOX Sports PR released a statement on Twitter that Sanchez was in stable condition.
Then-New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans in December 2012. Credit: AP/Wade Payne
“Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition,” FOX Sports said. “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.”
The IMPD initially issued a statement that a public disturbance between two males occurred around 12:30 a.m. in downtown Indianapolis. One of the men received lacerations while the other sustained “injuries that are consistent with stab wounds,” according to the police statement. Sanchez and the other individual had not been identified at that time.
Sanchez was the No. 5 overall pick of the Jets in 2009 out of USC. He spent four seasons with the Jets, helping them reach the AFC Championship Game in 2010 and 2011. The Jets have not made the playoffs since.
The Jets went 33-29 in the regular season during Sanchez’s tenure. He threw for 12,092 yards, 68 touchdowns and 69 interceptions as a Jet. Sanchez, who wore No. 6 with the Jets, missed the 2013 season due to a shoulder injury. The Jets released him the next season.
“Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family,” the Jets said in a statement before reports broke that Sanchez was arrested. “Hoping for a speed recovery, 6.”
Sanchez bounced around after the Jets released him. He played for the Eagles, Cowboys and Commanders and spent time with the Bears and Broncos. Sanchez retired following the 2018 season. He transitioned to broadcasting, working for ABC and ESPN for two years before joining Fox in 2021.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
