Former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez charged after physical altercation in downtown Indianapolis
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Prosecutors have charged former New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez for his alleged role in a physical altercation that resulted in him being stabbed in downtown Indianapolis early Saturday morning.
Sanchez, 38, is charged with battery resulting in injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle in connection to the altercation, according to prosecutors in Marion County, Indiana.
Indianapolis police say the confrontation happened around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday in the popular downtown nightlife Wholesale District next to the Indiana statehouse.
Prosecutors say Sanchez allegedly approached a 69-year-old man in an alley near West Washington Street and escalated a dispute about the man's parked car. When the argument turned physical, pepper spray was reportedly dispensed, and Sanchez suffered injuries consistent with being stabbed.
"This incident should never have happened," said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. "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. As with any case, we will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead."
The former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports broadcaster was scheduled to announce Sunday's contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts, but will no longer work the game. Instead, Sanchez is waking up in a hospital bed and under arrest, facing three misdemeanor charges.
Sanchez played eight seasons in the NFL after being selected fifth by the New York Jets in the 2009 draft out of USC. He helped the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in his first two seasons.
Following the incident, both Fox Sports and the Jets released statements wishing Sanchez a speedy recovery. They also asked the public to respect his family's privacy during this time.
"Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery, 6," the Jets posted to X, using Sanchez's former jersey number.
Sanchez also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Washington, the team he last appeared in a regular-season game for in 2018.
ESPN contributed to this report.
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