Former NFL quarterback and current FOX broadcaster Mark Sanchez is facing mounting legal trouble after his arrest in Indianapolis, and now, prosecutors are speaking publicly about the incident.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears appeared on NBC News’ Top Story with Tom Llamas to address the case, calling the altercation “completely unnecessary.” Speaking on behalf of the delivery driver who was stabbed, Mears added, “This was one of those situations that didn’t need to occur.”
According to Mears, the victim, 69-year-old Perry Tole, suffered “very significant injuries” in the early-morning clash outside the Westin Hotel.
“This individual is dealing with not only significant pain but also very likely facing the potential of having to deal with permanent scarring on their body,” he said. “He’s in good spirits, he’s progressing, but progressing very slowly.”
Mears also addressed reports that Sanchez was running wind sprints in the area before the stabbing.
“The good thing about this case is that there is surveillance footage all up and down that alley, so we do have a pretty clear picture of what took place,” he told Llamas. “Certainly, you do see Mr. Sanchez running at times before he makes contact with the victim in this case. Not sure why he was running that late at night and certainly not sure why there was a dispute over the parking spot when, again, this individual was trying to do his job.”
Police say the confrontation began when Sanchez allegedly attempted to enter Tole’s delivery truck without permission and shoved him.
Tole told investigators that Sanchez blocked him from calling for help, which led him to use pepper spray and eventually a knife in self-defense. Sanchez sustained multiple stab wounds and was hospitalized.
On October 6, prosecutors formally charged Sanchez with Level 5 felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury. He also faces misdemeanor counts of battery, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication. He has pleaded not guilty, with a court date set for November.
The fallout has expanded beyond the criminal court. Tole has filed a civil lawsuit against both Sanchez and FOX Corporation, alleging assault and battery against the former quarterback and negligence against the network. The complaint argues that FOX “knew or should have known” about Sanchez’s alleged history with alcohol.
Sanchez, who played ten seasons in the NFL before transitioning to broadcasting in 2021, was replaced on the October 5 Colts vs. Raiders broadcast by Brady Quinn.