Former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez was absent from his pre-trial hearing in Indianapolis on Wednesday, October 22, with his attorney telling the court that he is still recovering from stab wounds sustained earlier this month.
According to People, Sanchez’s attorney, Tim Delaney, appeared in Marion County court on October 22 and explained that the 38-year-old was excused from attending due to ongoing medical treatment.
“That process is still ongoing,” Delaney told the court, thanking the judge for “allowing our client to be excused in today’s hearing” while his recovery continues.
Delaney also noted that Sanchez’s condition “may impact some of the dates” leading up to trial, but confirmed that the defense has recorded all scheduled deadlines.
Judge James Osborn, who recently inherited the case after Judge Jennifer Prinz Harrison recused herself, set a trial date for December 11. A pretrial calendar has also been established in advance of jury selection.
Sanchez is facing four charges: one count of felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury and three misdemeanors—battery resulting in bodily injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication that endangers the life of another. He has pleaded not guilty.
The charges stem from an October 4 altercation in downtown Indianapolis. According to police, Sanchez confronted 69-year-old truck driver Perry Tole, who was working near the loading dock of The Westin hotel. Surveillance footage cited in court documents shows Sanchez pursuing Tole into an alleyway, grabbing him, and throwing him against a wall.
Investigators say Tole responded by using pepper spray, which Sanchez appeared to brush off. Believing he was in danger, Tole pulled a knife and stabbed Sanchez multiple times.
Both men were hospitalized—Sanchez in critical condition and Tole with facial injuries. Sanchez was discharged a week later under conditions set by the court, including booking with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
In the days following the incident, Tole filed a civil lawsuit against Sanchez and FOX Corp., citing damages from the encounter.
Meanwhile, Indianapolis police chief Chris Bailey emphasized that Sanchez would be treated like any other defendant. “I don’t care who you are. If you come into our city and commit violence, we will use all the tools at our disposal to hold you accountable,” Bailey said.
The case remains on track for trial in December, though Sanchez’s health status will continue to be monitored by the court.