Mark Sanchez stabbing updates: Latest news on arrest, charges against NFL broadcaster after altercation
Mark Sanchez stabbing updates: Latest news on arrest, charges against NFL broadcaster after altercation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Former first-round NFL draft pick and current Fox Sports broadcaster Mark Sanchez was arrested and hospitalized following an incident in downtown Indianapolis.
He was reported to be in critical condition initially, but is now in stable condition, per Fox Sports.
As first reported by TMZ Sports, the former New York Jets quarterback was stabbed Friday night in downtown Indianapolis. Sanchez was in town to call Sunday's Indianapolis Colts game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Here is more information on the situation.
Mark Sanchez stabbing, arrest updates
According to the Indianapolis Star, Sanchez first got into an altercation with a 69-year-old truck driver who was in his truck at a loading dock to get cooking oil.
"This guy is trying to kill me," the truck driver thought, according to the Indianapolis Star, which is when he pulled out a knife and stabbed Sanchez.
On Saturday afternoon, Fox released an official statement regarding the incident and Sanchez's condition, which improved to stable:
FOX Sports Statement:
“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. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that…— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) October 4, 2025
As for Fox's broadcast on Sunday, the network will replace Sanchez with Brady Quinn for the Colts game vs. the Raiders:
BREAKING:Brady Quinn will replace Mark Sanchez in Fox’s broadcast booth for Colts-Raiders on Sunday. Mark Sanchez arrested in hospital. https://t.co/3vTKQVMkak
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) October 4, 2025
Per Fox59 in Indianapolis, the individual who allegedly stabbed Sanchez is claiming self defense. The station adds that the individual called the former quarterback "the aggressor." The station adds that the victim is 69 years old and reported more details about the alleged incident involving Sanchez:
According to this source, the stabbing took place near Loughmiller’s Pub & Eatery. Sanchez was allegedly stabbed in the chest, taken to the hospital for surgery, and is the individual listed as being in critical condition by police, sources say.
The second individual also reportedly had “significant injuries” and claimed Sanchez was the aggressor in the incident and that he was merely defending himself with a knife.
According to FOX59/CBS4 sources, Sanchez wasn’t cooperative with responding police officers.
The second individual involved in the incident reportedly told police he was making a food delivery when Sanchez told him to leave and that he couldn’t park in the alley. The victim claimed Sanchez became aggressive and he first tried to use pepper spray to defend himself.
Here's more from TMZ's original story:
Police received a call around 12:30 AM Saturday morning to a street in downtown Indianapolis for two injured people ... and one of the people was the former first-round draft pick.
We're told Sanchez was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
It's unclear what led to the violent incident.
The driver's family gave an update on his condition late Sunday night.
"He's OK," family members told the New York Post. "We are talking to lawyers first. We want to be careful what's said. We appreciate that."
On Monday, 69-year-old Perry Tole, the alleged victim in the case, filed a lawsuit against Sanchez, suing the former quarterback for assault and battery and suing Fox for negligent hiring, retention and supervision, according to TMZ.
MORE:Everything to know about Mark Sanchez charges
Mark Sanchez family statement
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Sanchez family released the following statement through Mark's brother, Nick.
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
Mark Sanchez victim injuries
Pictures of the injuries the victim had following the Sanchez altercation were released, showcasing just how much physical harm he suffered.
Photos of the man involved in the Sanchez incident can be found here.
Was Mark Sanchez arrested?
Sanchez was released from the hospital and sent to jail on Sunday, Oct. 5, according to the New York Post.
The report adds that Sanchez posted his $300 cash bond before being booked, meaning he "likely won't spend any time behind bars."
He was arrested by Indianapolis police on Saturday for his role in his own stabbing.
MORE:Will Fox fire Mark Sanchez after arrest?
Mark Sanchez charges
The former quarterback remained in the hospital as of the arrest announcement, but the police charged him with battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department now says Mark Sanchez has been arrested for his alleged role in the incident during which he was stabbed early this morning. pic.twitter.com/rI1kIThqa4
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 4, 2025
Monday, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said his office has now filed a felony charge of battery resulting in serious bodily injury against Sanchez.
What happened to Mark Sanchez?
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police released an initial statement regarding the incident, including that officers responded to a report of a physical disturbance at 12:30 a.m. on Oct. 4. The IMPD said two men were involved in an isolated incident and it was not a random act. The statement added that charges from the incident will be decided by the Marion County Prosecutor's office:
WTHR reported that police stated a person was detained at the scene.
Fox 59 reporter Max Lewis reported that Sanchez "may have been the aggressor."
Who stabbed Mark Sanchez?
The man who stabbed Sanchez has been identified as 69-year-old Perry Role.
The police initially did not publicize who stabbed Sanchez. There were only two men involved in the incident. According to WXIN in Indianapolis, the man who reportedly stabbed Sanchez spoke with the police about the incident, claiming he was just defending himself from the broadcaster.
The second man involved was reportedly a grease disposal truck operator whom Sanchez approached when he believed the truck was blocking an alley.
Mark Sanchez fight video
The police haven't yet released the video of the incident involving Sanchez, which reportedly involves two other men. According to reports, a man claimed he was defending himself from Sanchez, who was acting aggressively while the man was delivering food.
On Monday, Oct. 4, TMZ shared video of Sanchez and the alleged victim being rolled toward ambulances on a gurney. The New York Post also shared footage of Sanchez clutching his chest after the incident.
In the reported surveillance video of the incident, Sanchez is apparently seen throwing the man against the wall of the Westin hotel, then to the ground in an alley.
Additionally, the second man reportedly involved in the incident was a truck driver whom Sanchez approached when he felt the truck was blocking an alley.
Mark Sanchez lawsuit
69-year-old Perry Tole, who admits he stabbed Sanchez, sued the 38-year-old on Monday for assault and battery, according to TMZ. Tole also sued Fox for negligent hiring, retention and supervision. Sanchez was in Indianapolis on a Fox Sports assignment, as he was scheduled to call the game between the Raiders and Colts on Sunday.
In the lawsuit, Tole claims he suffered significant head, jaw and neck injuries, resulting in "permanent disfigurement" and emotional distress.