The FOX NFL Sunday team are still coming to terms with the Mark Sanchez situation but the broadcaster has come under fire for its failure to properly address his arrest and the charges that followed. Sanchez was due to provide commentary for the clash between the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders on FOX Sports this Sunday, but was stabbed in Indianapolis during the early hours of Saturday morning.
The former NFL quarterback was taken to hospital, though he was subsequently arrested when alleged details surrounding the incident emerged. The FOX Sports pundit has been charged after allegedly assaulting, threatening, and following a food delivery driver, who claims he acted out of self-defence. FOX NFL Sunday presenter Curt Menefee and colleague Charissa Thompson addressed the matter during the network’s twin pre-game programmes, yet have been slammed for omitting crucial background information.
Opening FOX NFL Sunday, Menefee declared: “Well, Friday night in Indianapolis, one of our team members, Mark Sanchez, was involved in an incident that, to be honest, we’re all still trying to wrap our heads around. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, his family, and all these involved.”
Thompson delivered an identical statement on FOX NFL Kickoff, with supporters lambasting both presenters for overlooking contextual information. It emerged on Saturday morning that Sanchez had been knifed in Indianapolis, though police initially withheld the former NFL star’s identity.
However, officers confirmed it was an isolated incident between two individuals, rather than a random attack. According to the police account, a delivery driver was approached by Sanchez who demanded he relocate his parked vehicle. The driver alleged he received menacing threats from Sanchez and was pursued, before ultimately being assaulted.
The driver purportedly tried to pepper-spray Sanchez before wielding a blade in self-defence. Officers observed that the driver had suffered facial wounds, whilst Sanchez received life-threatening injuries requiring surgical intervention.
Sanchez was said to be uncooperative when police initially reached the scene, leading to his arrest prior to hospital discharge. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department stated: “After further investigation and consultation with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, IMPD arrested 38-year-old Mark Sanchez for his alleged role in this incident.
“Sanchez was arrested at the hospital for battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication, all which are misdemeanors. All involved parties have been identified, and no further individuals are being sought by detectives.
“Sanchez is still in the hospital and has not been booked into the Adult Detention Center. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decision.
“An arrest is merely an accusation, and Sanchez should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. IMPD does not release probable cause affidavits. Those must be obtained from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office or Marion County Clerk’s Office.”
The following day, Sanchez faced the three misdemeanour charges. “This incident should never have happened,” Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement on Sunday.
“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. As with any case, we will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead.”