Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez is now facing a felony battery charge following an altercation related to a parking dispute, in addition to the misdemeanor charges he was already dealing with from the incident in Indianapolis over the weekend.
During a news conference with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey, Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears announced the felony charge of battery involving serious bodily injury, which could result in a prison sentence of one to six years. Mears mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and hinted at possible additional charges.
According to the police affidavit, the 38-year-old Sanchez, who reportedly smelled of alcohol, confronted a 69-year-old truck driver who had backed into a hotel’s loading docks in downtown Indianapolis. This led to a confrontation outside the vehicle early Saturday, resulting in the driver pulling out a knife in self-defense.
Court records revealed that Sanchez was pepper-sprayed and stabbed multiple times during the altercation. Upon understanding the severity of the victim’s injuries, Mears emphasized the justification for the more serious felony charge.
The prosecutor condemned the unnecessary nature of the situation, highlighting the injuries sustained by the older man during the altercation. Sanchez was hospitalized with stab wounds to his upper right torso, while the truck driver, identified as P.T., had a cut on his left cheek.
Following the incident, Sanchez’s court hearing on the original misdemeanor charges was rescheduled to November 4, as he remained in stable condition in the hospital. While Sanchez’s attorney, James Voyles, declined to comment, Sanchez’s brother, Nick, expressed gratitude for the support received during this challenging time.
Sanchez, who was in Indianapolis for Fox Sports’ coverage of the Colts versus Las Vegas Raiders game, had a successful NFL career spanning ten years before retiring in 2019. Prior to his role as a game analyst with Fox Sports in 2021, he appeared on ABC and ESPN for two years.
Authorities are continuing to gather information, including surveillance footage capturing the incident from various angles. Police Chief Chris Bailey emphasized the city’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for violent acts, regardless of their background or profession.