Former NFL quarterback and FOX Sports broadcaster Mark Sanchez has been hospitalized and arrested following a stabbing incident in downtown Indianapolis early Saturday morning, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). The 38-year-old was in the city to provide commentary for Sunday’s game between the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders.

Police Response and Arrest

Authorities said they were called to the scene around 12:30 a.m. local time after reports of a fight involving two people. Officers arrived to find two injured individuals, one of whom had been stabbed. IMPD did not initially identify the victims, but multiple outlets, including TMZ and the New York Post, later confirmed that Sanchez was among them.

In an update posted on X (formerly Twitter), the police department said that Sanchez was arrested while receiving treatment for his injuries.

“Sanchez was arrested at the hospital for battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication, all which are misdemeanors,” IMPD wrote.

Police added that Sanchez has not been booked into the Adult Detention Center because he remains hospitalized. The department emphasized that the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review the evidence and decide whether to formally file charges.

Details of the Incident

Investigators said the altercation does not appear to have been a random act of violence and that there are no outstanding suspects. The other individual involved has not been publicly identified but was described as not being a local resident.

While specific details remain unclear, IMPD confirmed that Sanchez was injured during the incident and that he was in critical condition when first hospitalized. As of Saturday afternoon, his condition had been updated to stable.

The department also stressed that Sanchez should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“An arrest is merely an accusation,” IMPD said. “Sanchez should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”

FOX Sports and NFL Community React

Before news of the arrest was released, FOX Sports issued a statement addressing Sanchez’s hospitalization:

We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.

Following the announcement, former players and colleagues expressed concern and support for Sanchez online.

Pat McAfee, a former Indianapolis Colts punter and current ESPN host, wrote on X:

“Man… this is heartbreaking and scary to read. GODSPEED on your recovery @Mark_Sanchez.”

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky, who also played quarterback in the NFL, added:

“Praying for Mark. One of the nicest people you can come across.”

The New York Jets, the team that drafted Sanchez in 2009, shared a message of support:

“Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery, 6.”

Sanchez’s Career and Background

Sanchez is best known for his time with the New York Jets, where he led the team to consecutive AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010. After six seasons in the NFL, he also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Football Team before retiring in 2018.

Following his playing career, Sanchez transitioned to broadcasting, joining FOX Sports as a football analyst. He was scheduled to cover the Colts-Raiders game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday before the incident occurred.

Investigation Ongoing

The IMPD investigation into the stabbing is ongoing. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the confrontation.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.

As of now, Sanchez remains hospitalized and under investigation, and his future with FOX Sports has not been determined.