Fox Sports issued a public message of support for broadcaster and former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez following his stabbing in Indianapolis over the weekend. However, viewers quickly noticed what the network did not mention — namely, that Sanchez was arrested shortly after the incident and is today facing multiple criminal charges.
During Sunday’s NFL broadcast, host Charissa Thompson read a brief statement on air.
“Friday night in Indianapolis, one of our team members, Mark Sanchez, was involved in an incident that we are still trying to wrap our heads around,” she said. “At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, his family, and all of those involved.”
Thompson’s statement made no reference to the fact that Sanchez had been charged with battery resulting in injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication — all misdemeanors — after allegedly engaging in a violent confrontation with a 69-year-old delivery driver.
Fans React with Outrage Online
Viewers immediately took to social media to express frustration over Fox’s handling of the situation.
One person wrote:
Lmaooo he was the one beating up an old man for no reason and this is how they portray it. What a joke.
RELATED: Mark Sanchez Reportedly Smelled of Alcohol During Violent Stabbing Altercation
Another added:
Wow! He assaulted a man and this is what you put out there?
Several accused Fox Sports of selectively framing the story.
FoxSports turning into FoxNews. Not reporting the entire story. Come on guys. He beat up a senior citizen in a drunken stupor. Way to represent your network huh?
Others were even more blunt:
This is shameful.
Thoughts and prayers? Really?
Similar statements were later read by Curt Menefee and Chris Myers — who had originally been scheduled to call the Colts-Raiders game alongside Sanchez until he was replaced by Brady Quinn.
Affidavit Details Alleged Confrontation
According to court documents reviewed by multiple outlets, the altercation began when Sanchez allegedly approached the delivery driver — identified only as “P.T.” — who was unloading fryer oil from his truck at a hotel loading dock in downtown Indianapolis.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Sanchez opening the driver’s side door before the two exchange words. The driver told police that Sanchez smelled strongly of alcohol and appeared to be slurring his speech.
He claimed Sanchez attempted twice to climb into his truck. Feeling threatened, the driver said he deployed pepper spray. When Sanchez continued advancing, the driver pulled a knife and stabbed him “two or three times” in the torso.
Sanchez reportedly told responding officers that he did not remember the full incident, saying only that he recalled “grabbing for a window.”
Both men were treated at separate hospitals — Sanchez for stab wounds, and the driver for a facial laceration.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Prosecutors have filed a no-contact order barring Sanchez from approaching the driver or possessing any weapons for the duration of the case. His initial hearing was scheduled for Monday morning with bond set at $300.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears issued a statement condemning the altercation.
This incident should never have happened. What began as a disagreement between a 38-year-old former professional athlete and a 69-year-old man should not have escalated into violence or left anyone seriously injured.
Uncertain Future for Sanchez and Fox Sports
Sanchez, a former USC standout and fifth-overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, transitioned into broadcasting after his playing career, joining Fox Sports in 2021. He has not yet issued a public statement regarding the charges.
Fox Sports has also not clarified whether Sanchez will remain employed during legal proceedings. What was meant to be a brief acknowledgment of a scary situation has instead sparked a larger debate about transparency — and accountability — on live television.
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