Mark Sanchez, the former NFL quarterback and current sports analyst, is now facing a felony charge of battery after a violent injury following an Indianapolis fight on October 4. The allegations state that a 38-year-old man was involved in a physical altercation with a 69-year-old man, resulting in the older man sustaining very serious injuries.
The victim works for a company that exchanges commercial frying oil and was parked in a loading dock area of a hotel, leading to the whole dispute. The victim reported Sanchez smelled of alcohol and was disoriented. Sanchez also climbed into the truck after being very clearly told not to.
Police and prosecutors report that early Saturday morning, Sanchez allegedly approached a 69-year-old truck driver who was working at a hotel loading dock. The encounter quickly became a heated argument about the truck’s parking spot. Court records indicate that Sanchez then climbed into the truck cabin, hindering the driver’s attempt to call for help before a physical altercation broke out.
According to court documents, the victim was reaching for his phone as Sanchez then shoved him. The victim felt he was in physical danger so he pepper sprayed Sanchez.
When Sanchez allegedly advanced toward the victim again, the victim feared for his life, “this guy is trying to kill me” he thought. In response, the victim drew a knife and stabbed Sanchez several times as Sanchez came at him.
The victim explained he went “flying back into the dumpster and falling onto the pallets on the ground,” he also claimed that he was unaware of what Sanchez was doing to him.
Sanchez sustained severe stab wounds to his torso while the victim suffered a severe laceration that penetrated through his left cheek.
The victim, who was identified as 69 year old Perry Tole, filed a lawsuit against Mark Sanchez and Fox corporation in Marion. Allegations being brought by Tole and his attorneys include civil counts for assault/battery and claims of negligent hiring, negligent retention, and negligent supervision.
Mark Sanchez, who was in Indianapolis to serve as a Fox Sports analyst for the Raiders-Colts game on Sunday, was hospitalized early Saturday morning. While an initial affidavit reported he was in critical condition, Fox Sports released a statement later that afternoon confirming his condition had been upgraded to stable.
Sanchez was arrested at the hospital and was initially charged with three misdemeanors. However, he is now facing a felony charge of battery. He has a court hearing on Tuesday for the charges. The Indianapolis Police department confirmed his release on Sunday, about a week after the fight.
