The family of a truck driver, allegedly involved in an altercation with former NFL player Mark Sanchez, has spoken out about the incident.
Authorities reported that Sanchez was part of a “physical disturbance” in Indianapolis, near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street, around 12:30 am on Saturday, October 4.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department issued a statement confirming an investigation into the incident between two men. They highlighted that the confrontation led to one man sustaining lacerations and another suffering injuries consistent with stab wounds.
The statement further explained: “Both individuals, who are not local residents, have been identified. IMPD Aggravated Assault detectives are continuing the investigations and have reviewed video footage of the incident.”
“Both men received medical treatment. The man with the apparent stab wounds remains hospitalized in a stable condition.”
Photographs of the man allegedly involved in a confrontation with Sanchez were shared by his family. These images show the unidentified man wearing a neck brace and covered in blood.
Angela Ganote from Fox59 shared the pictures on X, stating: “His family says he was cut in the fight and it went through his cheek and hit his tongue.”
An affidavit obtained by the outlet detailed that the truck driver, identified by the initials PT, had parked his vehicle while collecting cooking oil from a hotel when Sanchez approached him.
According to the affidavit: “PT did not have his hearing aids in because his truck is very loud when he is exchanging the frying oil for the hotel, so he had to lean in close to Mr Sanchez to hear him.”
“When PT leaned in, he stated that Mr Sanchez smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred.”
Sanchez is accused of throwing the driver to the ground, after which PT reportedly stabbed the sports analyst in self-defense, as per a court filing by Indianapolis prosecutors.
The former NFL player is currently hospitalized in stable condition.
The 38-year-old faces charges of battery with injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a vehicle.
On Sunday, October 5, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears commented on the incident, stating that such a violent episode “should have never happened.”
“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,” Mears noted.
Fox Sports, where Sanchez is employed, released a statement following the altercation.
“Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition,” the statement read.
“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.”