Former NFL star Mark Sanchez says he is “focused on my recovery” after being booked and released from jail over an incident last weekend during which he was stabbed and another man was left with significant injuries.
Sanchez was processed at Marion County Jail on Sunday after his release from hospital. A judge ruled Sanchez had to undergo the processing before he is allowed to leave Indiana.
“I am just focused on my recovery and I want to thank the first responders,” Sanchez told CBS/Fox Indianapolis journalist Max Lewis outside Marion County Jail. The 38-year-old then appeared to grow emotional as he thanked the surgeon who operated on him “she saved my life … I’m grateful for that”. Asked about the injuries to his torso that he suffered during the incident, the former New York Jets quarterback said: “I’m recovering slowly, it’s a long process”.
Sanchez faces a felony battery charge over the incident last weekend. Sanchez, who was in Indianapolis to cover the Colts game with the Raiders for Fox Sports, was involved in a confrontation with a 69-year-old truck driver, Perry Tole, in the early hours of Saturday morning. Tole, who was left with a deep laceration to his face, said he feared for his life during the incident and pepper sprayed and stabbed Sanchez. Police say the incident happened after a dispute over a parking space.
Sanchez could face up to six years in jail if he is found guilty of the battery charge. He is due to attend a court hearing on 5 November. Tole has also filed a lawsuit against Sanchez, with his lawyers saying their client suffered “severe permanent disfigurement, loss of function” and emotional distress.
Sanchez has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which also include battery with injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry of a vehicle.
Fox Sports has yet to address Sanchez’s long-term future with the broadcaster. The Jets picked Sanchez with the fifth overall selection in the 2009 NFL draft after he enjoyed a successful college career in his native California. He led the Jets to two AFC Championship games before spells with several teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. He announced his retirement from the NFL in 2019 and soon after began working with ESPN’s college football coverage before transitioning to Fox.
