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INDIANAPOLIS — Former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports commentator Mark Sanchez is facing charges for his alleged role in a stabbing incident in Indianapolis that left him hospitalized, and according to court documents, it all stemmed from an argument he had with a 69-year-old man.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement the arrest came after further investigation and consultation with the prosecutor’s office.
“Sanchez was arrested at the hospital for battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication, all which are misdemeanors,” police said in the statement.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in the case obtained by our sister station, ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles, on Sunday, the argument occurred in an alley near The Westin Indianapolis hotel and the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.
The affidavit says the man, who works for a company that specializes in commercial cooking oil recycling and disposal, was backed into the loading dock area at the Westin.
The affidavit states that at one point, according to surveillance video reviewed by officers, Sanchez is seen “grabbing and throwing” the man toward the wall of the Westin hotel.
The documents say the man was defending himself after Sanchez threw him to the ground.
The man pepper sprayed Sanchez in the face, according to the affidavit, and told officers that the spray “appeared to have an effect on Sanchez for a moment,” but that Sanchez “wiped his face and again advanced” towards him.
According to the affidavit, the man thought “this guy is trying to kill me” so he pulled out a knife and when Sanchez approached him, the man “struck him two or three times.”
The man suffered a cut to his cheek and was treated at a hospital and was later released.
Sanchez, 38, remains hospitalized and has not been booked into the Adult Detention Center, police said. He was earlier listed in stable condition, according to Fox Sports.
Sanchez, 38, played eight seasons in the NFL after being selected fifth overall by the New York Jets in the 2009 draft out of USC. He helped the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in his first two seasons.
He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Washington, the team which he last appeared in a regular season game for in 2018.
Sanchez was in Indianapolis as part of the broadcasting crew for Sunday’s game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
On Saturday, police said they were a investigating a “physical disturbance” that occurred around 12:30 a.m. in the popular Wholesale District, next to the Indiana statehouse.
At the time, police said one adult male suffered lacerations and a second man sustained injuries consistent with stab wounds, according to police. Both men received medical treatment, police said earlier.
In the latest statement, police said, “All involved parties have been identified, and no further individuals are being sought by detectives.”
The Marion County Prosecutor’s office will make the final decision on charges, police said.
The Southern California native spent four seasons with the New York Jets after being drafted by the team in 2009. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Washington over a 10-year career.
“We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time,” Fox Sports said in a statement on social media Saturday.
“Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery, 6,” the New York Jets said in a statement Saturday.
ABC News contributed to this report.
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