Former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was charged Saturday after a late-night brawl outside a downtown Indianapolis bar with a 69-year-old man — a clash that ended with the onetime NFL star stabbed in the chest, police said.
The fight broke out near Loughmiller’s Pub & Eatery just after midnight when Sanchez allegedly confronted the man in an alley and told him to move his vehicle, which was reported to be a truck hauling restaurant grease, according to FOX59/CBS4.
The driver told cops the ex–quarterback became aggressive, forcing him to fight back in self-defense with a knife after pepper spray failed to stop him, the outlet reported.
Police said Sanchez, 38, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and later charged with misdemeanor counts of battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.
He remains hospitalized and had not yet been booked into the Marion County Adult Detention Center as of Saturday night.
Investigators said both men were injured during the altercation. The delivery driver, who has not been publicly identified, also suffered “significant injuries,” according to police.
Sources told FOX59/CBS4 that Sanchez was uncooperative with responding officers and had to undergo surgery for stab wounds to the chest. His condition was later upgraded to stable.
Sanchez, a Fox Sports analyst, was in Indianapolis to call Sunday’s Colts–Raiders game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The network said in a statement that he is “recovering in the hospital in stable condition.”
“We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support,” Fox Sports said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”
Police said both Sanchez and the other man were not Indianapolis residents.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to determine whether additional charges will be filed.
Prosecutors will review the case to decide on formal charges.
According to FOX59/CBS4, the 69-year-old told investigators that Sanchez ordered the grease truck to leave and blocked his vehicle in the alley.
When the man tried to defuse the situation, Sanchez allegedly advanced on him. The driver said he sprayed Sanchez with pepper spray, and when that didn’t work, he pulled a knife and stabbed him once in the chest.
Police said Sanchez has not yet provided his account of what happened.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett didn’t identify who the victims were but said that both men involved “do not appear to live in Indianapolis.”
“Our city takes pride in being a destination that draws people from near and far, but it’s important that everyone who visits or enjoys our community does so respectfully and peacefully,” Hogsett said.
“I’m grateful to the IMPD officers and Indianapolis EMS medical professionals who responded immediately to provide life-saving care.”
Sanchez, a first-round draft pick out of USC in 2009, spent eight seasons in the NFL and led the Jets to two AFC Championship appearances before finishing his career with the Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, and Washington.
He retired in 2019 and joined Fox Sports as an analyst.
As of Saturday evening, Sanchez remained hospitalized in stable condition following surgery.
