Callum Jones
The family of former NFL player Mark Sanchez have spoken out after he was charged with battery and intoxication charges, with the former being upgraded to a felony.
Sanchez was involved in a ‘physical disturbance’, which resulted in the NFL analyst reportedly being stabbed in Indianapolis near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street at roughly 12.30am on Saturday (October 4), authorities have said.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department noted that an incident between two men ‘resulted in one man receiving lacerations and the other sustaining injuries consistent with stab wounds'.
The statement continued: “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.
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“Both men received medical treatment. The man with the apparent stab wounds remains hospitalized in a stable condition."
An affidavit seen by Fox59 stated that the truck driver, known as PT, was approached by Sanchez as he was parked up collecting cooking oil from a hotel.
"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," the affidavit states.
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"When PT leaned in, he stated that Mr Sanchez smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred."
The former NFL star is accused of throwing the driver to the ground, before PT stabbed the sports analyst in self-defence, according to a court filing from Indianapolis prosecutors.
Sanchez's family have since spoken out about the situation, with his brother, Nick, issuing a statement on behalf of the family.
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"This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved," Nick said.
"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."
The 38-year-old has since been charged with battery with injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a vehicle and could face jail time following the incident.
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Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, who has been investigating the case, has said the violent incident '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," the prosecutor said.