The family of a 69-year-old driver allegedly assaulted by former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez says he is 'OK' and recovering, as prosecutors pursue charges over what police describe as a violent and alcohol-fuelled confrontation behind an Indianapolis hotel.
According to reports, the driver, identified only by his initials, P.T., sustained facial lacerations and jaw injuries during the incident in an alley behind hotels early Saturday morning.
In a statement to the New York Post, the driver's family said: 'He's OK. We are talking to lawyers first. We want to be careful what's said. We appreciate that.'
The incident has shocked fans and reignited debate over athlete conduct and accountability.
What Police and Court Records Reveal
According to an affidavit obtained by prosecutors, the incident unfolded at around 12:30 a.m. local time, when Sanchez approached P.T.'s truck in a hotel loading area and engaged in a heated dispute.
Hotel surveillance video reportedly captured portions of the confrontation, according to a Reuters report.
Authorities allege Sanchez was slurring his speech and smelled of alcohol when he confronted the 69-year-old, who had parked to collect used cooking oil from a hotel.
The affidavit states that P.T. did not have his hearing aids on at the time due to the noise in his truck, causing him to lean in close to understand Sanchez, The Guardian reported.
According to court documents, Sanchez attempted to force entry into P.T.'s truck, leading to a physical altercation.
The driver first used pepper spray in self-defence, and when Sanchez continued to advance upon him, the affidavit says, P.T. stabbed Sanchez multiple times, according to news reports.
As the struggle intensified, the affidavit suggests Sanchez threw the driver against a wall and to the ground.
At one point, the driver is reported to have believed, 'this guy is trying to kill me,' prompting him to act in self-defence, according to The Washington Post.
After sustaining stab wounds, Sanchez was treated at a local hospital. He was later arrested and charged with misdemeanours, including battery with bodily injury, unlawful entry of a vehicle, and public intoxication.
According to The Guardian, Sanchez has told investigators that he has no memory of the confrontation, stating he only recalls 'grabbing for a window.'
Injury Status, Hospital Updates and Custody
When first admitted, Sanchez was reported in "critical but stable condition," though later statements from Fox Sports and law enforcement confirmed he was stabilised.
He was released from the hospital on Sunday morning and transferred to Marion County Jail, where he remains in custody pending court proceedings.
Authorities have scheduled Sanchez's initial court appearance for Tuesday, according to Associated Press.
Prosecutor Ryan Mears has described the event as an avoidable escalation. 'What began as a disagreement ... should not have escalated into violence or left anyone seriously injured,' Mears said in a public statement.
Public Reaction And Wider Context
Sanchez, 38, is a former NFL quarterback-turned-broadcaster. He played for multiple teams, including the Jets, Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington, before retiring in 2019.
At the time of the incident, he was in Indianapolis to work as an analyst for Fox Sports. His planned broadcast was replaced following the incident, according to the AP News.
Fox Sports issued a brief statement early Saturday confirming his injury and appealing for privacy for Sanchez and all those involved.
As the case develops, key questions remain: whether prosecutors will elevate charges, how the defence will frame claims of self-defence, and whether further medical updates will emerge from both Sanchez and P.T.
For now, the victim's family maintains he is safe and recovering, while Sanchez awaits a decision that could define the next chapter of his post-NFL life.
