Mark Sanchez’s weekend in Indianapolis took a shocking turn. The former Jets quarterback and current FOX Sports analyst was arrested late Saturday following a violent altercation downtown. The 38-year-old was hospitalized with a stab wound to the chest, and police say he now faces multiple charges.

According to Indianapolis police, the trouble started just past midnight outside Loughmiller’s Pub & Eatery. Sanchez allegedly confronted a 69-year-old delivery driver in an alley over his parked car. The driver told officers that Sanchez became aggressive, prompting him to use pepper spray. When that failed to stop Sanchez, the driver said he acted in self-defense and stabbed him once in the chest.

Meanwhile, both men were injured in the scuffle. Sanchez needed surgery after being rushed to the hospital. Soon after, detectives quickly pieced together the details using security cameras and eyewitness accounts.

Mark Sanchez’s legal troubles

After an initial investigation, police later stressed, “Detectives believe this was an isolated incident between the two men and not a random act of violence.” Still, Sanchez was booked on multiple counts: battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication, according to the New York Times.

So far, officers have not confirmed whether alcohol played a role in the altercation, though the public intoxication charge raises questions. Investigators are urging anyone with footage or information to come forward. Tips can be submitted directly to police or through Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana. The case remains active, with more evidence expected to emerge.

Interestingly, Sanchez was in Indianapolis for broadcasting duties, scheduled to call the Colts-Raiders game at Lucas Oil Stadium alongside Chris Myers and Kristina Pink for FOX Sports. Following the late-night incident, Sanchez, FOX Sports, and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett issued statements addressing the situation.

Official statements

After the incident, Mark Sanchez broke his silence. In a statement shared with Fox, he said he “was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition. 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.”

Those words carried both relief and caution, letting fans know he was safe but also asking for space.

Soon after, Fox Sports echoed the same message. The network confirmed Sanchez is now stable and recovering well and shared, “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.”

Meanwhile, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett addressed the incident from the city’s side.

“I’m monitoring reports of an altercation in our city involving two individuals who do not appear to live in Indianapolis. Our city takes pride in being a destination that draws people from near and far, but it’s important that everyone who visits or enjoys our community does so respectfully and peacefully. I’m grateful to the IMPD officers and Indianapolis EMS medical professionals who responded immediately to provide life-saving care. IMPD continues to thoroughly investigate this isolated incident.”

However, both FOX Sports and Hogsett spoke out before IMPD confirmed Sanchez’s arrest. Now, the attention shifts to how the case develops from here.