THE family of former NFL star Mark Sanchez has broken their silence after he was stabbed during a parking dispute.
Sanchez, 38, was attacked by a truck driver, 69, following an altercation that unfolded in an Indianapolis alleyway on Saturday morning.
Mark Sanchez, pictured with his family in 2024, was left with stab wounds[/caption]
The ex-quarterback was left injured following the stabbing[/caption]
The ex-athlete turned Fox Sports commentator was rushed to the hospital – initially in a critical condition, which later stabilized.
Sanchez is still receiving medical care, his brother Nick told TMZ.
“This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved,” they 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 driver was collecting cooking oil from hotels when the altercation unfolded.
Sanchez appeared to get angry over where the driver, who was identified as PT in the documents, had parked.
The ex-sportsman opened the driver’s door and started chatting with him, according to court documents seen by The U.S. Sun.
Sanchez then allegedly started to follow the driver outside his truck.
Cops reviewed surveillance footage from the area and they said Sanchez threw the driver toward the Westin hotel’s wall.
The pair were embroiled in a fight before Sanchez was allegedly pepper-sprayed.
The driver feared for his life before stabbing Sanchez several times, according to the documents.
He was left with facial injuries and pictures later released showed his bloodied state.
Perry Tole has claimed he was the victim and he has since filed a lawsuit, alleging he has been left permanently disfigured, as reported by TMZ.
Tole claimed Sanchez was drunk and said the incident left him with physical injuries and caused emotional distress.
Footage has since emerged of Sanchez walking on a street with blood on his shirt.
Locals gave Sanchez aid after realizing he was bleeding.
Scott Bennett, who runs the Loughmiller’s Pub and Eatery, said he put towels over Sanchez’s injuries.
“There was blood, definitely, it wasn’t shooting out or anything like that, but there was definitely blood,” he told the Fox affiliate WXIN-TV.
Bennett recalled there was blood on Sanchez’s pants and said he couldn’t really understand what he was saying at the time.
EX-STAR CHARGED
Witnesses were left stunned at what unfolded in the alleyway.
Darren McLaughlin said he didn’t expect Sanchez to be involved in the brawl, as reported by the CW affiliate WISH-TV.
The commentator was supposed to cover Sunday’s game between the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders.
He was initially charged with battery causing injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.
But, Sanchez now faces a felony battery charge.
He could get up to six years in prison if he’s convicted.
Sanchez played in the NFL for 10 seasons.
He joined the New York Jets in 2009 after playing college football for the USC Trojans in California.
Sanchez also had spells with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins.
He retired in 2019 before working as a commentator for ESPN’s college football games.
Sanchez made the move to Fox Sports in 2021.
Sanchez is a Fox Sports commentator[/caption]
He was stabbed following an altercation in an Indianapolis alleyway[/caption]
Sanchez, wearing the number six jersey, starred for the USC Trojans[/caption]
