A family member of the truck driver allegedly assaulted by former NFL star Mark Sanchez gave an update to the condition of 69-year-old man after the shocking incident.
The family member, who wished to remain anonymous, told the New York Post that they are “OK” after being hospitalized just after midnight on Saturday morning in Indianapolis.
“We are talking to lawyers first. We want to be careful what’s said. We appreciate that,” the family said, also noting they were shocked to learn about the alleged attack.
Photos of the man were posted online by local reporter Max Lewis of FOX59 and CBS4 showing the man’s injuries, including a cut to through his cheek.
WARNING: Graphic images
“His family says he was cut in the fight and it went through his cheek and hit his tongue,” Fox59 anchor Angela Ganote wrote.
According to an affidavit seen by FOX59, the driver – who only has been identified by his initials, PT – had parked his truck in an alley to collect cooking oil from a nearby hotel when the incident occurred.
Sanchez, who has been working as an NFL analyst since his retirement from playing in 2019, allegedly approached the man, smelling of alcohol and slurring his words.
“PT did not have his hearing aids in because his truck is very loud when he is exchanging the frying oil for the hotel, so he had to lean in close to Mr. Sanchez to hear him,” the affidavit said.
“When PT leaned in, he stated that Mr. Sanchez smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred.”
Sanchez allegedly then assaulted the man, slamming him against a wall before throwing him to the ground. During the altercation, PT stabbed Sanchez in the chest in an alleged act of self defence.
According to TMZ, Sanchez was treated for stab wounds and released from hospital before being promptly transferred to Marion County Jail, where he was charged with public intoxication and battery.
On Monday, Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears said that his office has now filed a felony charge of battery resulting in serious bodily injury against Sanchez.
According to the arrest affidavit, Sanchez told police he had no memory of the incident.
The Fox Sports NFL studio crew touched on the incident on Sunday morning, with host Curt Menefee saying that the team was “still trying to wrap our heads around” the situation.
Charissa Thompson also issued a statement during FOX NFL Kickoff on Sunday morning.
“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, and at this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, his family, and all of those involved,” Thompson said.