One of the most bizarre stories of the year has continued to unfold this week, as potential repercussions mount for former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez after an incident that saw him stabbed multiple times, then criminally charged in Indianapolis.
The allegations against Sanchez revolve around an incident in which police claim he confronted a truck driver on the job, became aggressive and then got pepper-sprayed and stabbed after things got physical, with the victim saying Sanchez smelled of alcohol. That account is reportedly backed up by the alleged victim’s statement, security footage from nearby hotels and a witness.
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Sanchez was initially charged with battery resulting in injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle — all misdemeanors. However, prosecutors added a Level 5 felony battery charge on Monday, which carries a one-to-six year sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.
Mark Sanchez pleads not guilty through lawyer
Updates on Sanchez’s health have so far been slow, but he appears to still be hospitalized in Indianapolis after sustaining several stab wounds to his torso. While Sanchez has not been physically booked in jail, the legal process is still playing out, with his lawyer waiving a pretrial hearing and entering a not guilty plea on Thursday.
That move appears procedural — if Sanchez were to plead guilty, it would be after a discussion with prosecution he doesn’t seem capable of right now. His next court date is Nov. 4.
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Meanwhile, the only communication from the Sanchez camp is a statement released earlier this week:
“This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved,” Mark’s brother, Nick Sanchez said, via Fox59’s Angela Ganote. “Mark and our family are incredibly grateful for the concern, love, and support we’ve received over the past few days. Mark remains under medical care for the serious injuries he sustained and is focused on his recovery as the legal process continues. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and medical staff.”
Mark Sanchez to miss this weekend’s NFL broadcast
With Sanchez in the hospital and facing potential prison time, it’s not a surprise his employer isn’t planning to use him anytime soon.
Fox Sports announced its broadcast assignments for the week Thursday with Sanchez absent. His play-by-play partner of the past couple weeks, Chris Myers, will instead work with Mark Schlereth in the booth. Brady Quinn filled in for Sanchez alongside Myers last week.
Thanks to bye weeks, Fox probably won’t need Sanchez for a while. Awful Announcing notes it has a maximum of five games scheduled every week until Nov. 9, so Fox can roll with their current teams without having to figure out another substitution.
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Of course, the bigger question is if Sanchez returns to Fox at all. Alleged victim Perry Tole has reportedly filed a lawsuit against both Sanchez and his employer, and networks have cut broadcasters for less severe falls in public image. It seems likely Fox will want more of the legal process to play out before making a final decision, though.
Mark Sanchez is seeing repercussions in almost every area of his life after an incident in Indianapolis. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
(USA TODAY Sports / Reuters)
Prosecutor says Mark Sanchez charges could be further upgraded
While Sanchez faces a serious charge that could land him in prison, he might even have more to deal with as Tole’s condition is evaluated and authorities look into the incident.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears indicated in an interview with Good Morning America that the felony battery charge could be further upgraded, with GMA noting an aggravated battery charge would carry a three-to-16 year prison sentence if convicted.
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Mears’ comment, via GMA:
“For us, it’s all about gathering as much information as possible. Very often times, that comes from medical providers being able to say, ‘As a result of these injuries, this person is going to have to deal with the following things for the rest of their life or a significant period of their life.”
On that note, the 69-year-old Tole’s attorney has already said his client is “gonna have scars forever” after sustaining a large gash on his face.
Alleged Mark Sanchez victim released from hospital, unable to attend son’s wedding
Tole’s attorney said Tuesday his client has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, but his injuries remain serious, via Fox 59:
”What you don’t see in those pictures is that the inside of his mouth and his tongue have been affected in a way that makes it difficult for him to speak, so he has a very hard time communicating right now and that has a lot to do with his injuries, exhaustion,” said May. “He’s a tough son of a gun. It’s remarkable that he’s still alive.”
Unfortunately, the injuries also mean Tole will be unable to attend his son’s wedding, another lawyer said via ABC News:
“Mentally, what he and his wife are going through has been considerable,” May said. “He’s just really shaken up.”
Tole’s son is getting married next week and “he’s not gonna be able to attend the wedding, so he’s sad about that,” victim attorney Eddie Reichert added.
Tole reportedly ran into Sanchez while performing his job as a truck driver for a company that recycles and disposes of used cooking oil. Sanchez reportedly wandered up to him past midnight and claimed the manager of the hotel where Tole was performing his job said he couldn’t be there.
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On Wednesday, Tole’s company Automatic Commercial and Restaurant Cooking Oil Management released a statement to IndyStar promising support for its employee:
In a statement to IndyStar, the company extended its “heartfelt thanks” to the local first responders “for providing exceptional assistance in responding to the incident, helping our employee reach safety, and get medical care.”
The company said it had reached out to Tole and his family to “offer support and [the company] will be determining what is needed in the days and weeks to come.”
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