The family of former New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has spoken publicly for the first time since he was stabbed and arrested following an altercation in Indianapolis. Sanchez, 38, allegedly attacked a 69-year-old grease truck driver outside a pub in the early hours of Saturday, according to authorities. The driver then stabbed the Fox Sports analyst multiple times, court documents state.
In a statement provided to TMZ Sports, Sanchez's brother Nick said: “This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved. Mark and our family are incredibly grateful for the concern, love, and support we’ve received over the past few days. Mark remains under medical care for the serious injuries he sustained and is focused on his recovery as the legal process continues. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and medical staff.”
Sanchez was initially charged on October 4 with misdemeanour counts of battery resulting in injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. His cash bond was set at $300. However, the charge has since been upgraded to a felony, with a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, October 7. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said: “We are literally talking about people fighting about a parking spot.”
According to a probable cause affidavit, the dispute began when Sanchez became upset that the driver had parked his truck at a loading dock to collect used cooking oil. The argument escalated outside Loughmiller’s Pub & Eatery, with footage showing Sanchez approaching the driver’s door. The driver, who was not wearing his hearing aids, struggled to hear Sanchez. A brawl then took place between a dumpster and the truck, during which Sanchez is seen throwing the man to the ground. The driver told police he “realised things had escalated, and he was now in physical danger”.
Video footage shows Sanchez staggering from the alleyway clutching his wounds before being taken to hospital, where his condition was confirmed as stable on Sunday. The grease truck driver is now suing Sanchez, claiming he was left permanently disfigured by the alleged attack.
