Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez could face up to six years in prison after being charged with felony battery on Monday. The charge, a level-five felony involving serious bodily injury, carries a potential sentence of six years and a $10,000 fine. It adds to three earlier charges of battery with injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a vehicle, filed on Sunday following a violent confrontation in Indianapolis.
The incident occurred early on Saturday morning when Sanchez, 37, allegedly confronted a 69-year-old truck driver at a hotel loading bay. The driver, identified only as PT in the police affidavit, was picking up used cooking oil when Sanchez, who PT said smelled of alcohol, attempted to enter the truck. PT claimed Sanchez told him the hotel manager did not want the oil collected. PT said he believed Sanchez was trying to kill him and used pepper spray, then stabbed Sanchez two or three times when the spray failed to stop him. Sanchez then allegedly threw PT against a dumpster before fleeing.
Sanchez was hospitalised with stab wounds to his torso, while PT suffered deep cuts to his face. Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears described PT's injuries as very severe. Sanchez's injuries were not life-threatening, and he remains in hospital in a stable condition. A court hearing scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed until 4 November due to his ongoing treatment.
Mears noted that the altercation appeared to stem from a dispute over a parking space. He said witnesses and security cameras had provided a clear picture of the incident. It remains unclear whether PT will face charges, but Mears noted that Indiana has some of the most robust self-defence laws in the nation.
Sanchez, who works as a Fox Sports analyst, was due to cover the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Former NFL quarterback Brady Quinn replaced him in the broadcast booth. Sanchez's brother, Nick, issued a statement thanking first responders and medical staff, and asking for privacy as Mark focuses on his recovery and the legal process.
