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Ex-professional football player the sports analyst was charged with assault causing harm, being drunk in public, and unlawful entry of a vehicle after a Saturday altercation in Indianapolis that resulted in his hospitalization with knife injuries.

Details of the Altercation

According to an affidavit, the Fox Sports analyst approached a 69-year-old truck driver at a hotel delivery area. The older man stated he believed “this guy is trying to kill me” and used pepper spray to protect himself. After it failed to halt the former athlete from moving toward him, the driver said he stabbed Sanchez “multiple times”. He then reportedly pushed the driver against a trash container before an expression of surprise appeared on his face and he “ran away”.

Detectives have examined video footage of the incident. Witnesses said that Sanchez and the driver filmed each other with their cellphones during the incident.

Police wrote in the legal document, “Mr Sanchez is seen chasing [the man] and the video shows him grabbing and throwing [the man] towards the wall of the hotel.”

How It Started

The confrontation reportedly started after Sanchez and the driver argued over a parking space.

Consequences and Harm

This altercation left Sanchez with stab wounds to his upper body, while the driver suffered cuts to his face. The former player was treated in hospital for his injuries, which were non-fatal, before he was taken into custody on that day. He is scheduled to appear at a court session on the coming week.

According to the affidavit, Sanchez informed officers “the only thing he recalled was grabbing for a window.” He could not recall who stabbed him or where the incident occurred.

Official Response

“What happened should never have happened,” the county attorney said in a statement. “What began as a dispute between a ex-sports star and a senior citizen ought not to have turned into a physical fight or caused severe harm to anyone. In line with standard procedure, we will adhere to evidence and regulations in pursuit of justice.”

Career Repercussions

Sanchez was in Indianapolis to report on the Colts’ game with the opposing team on Sunday afternoon as part of his broadcasting duties. A fellow ex-player stepped in for Sanchez in the broadcast booth for Sunday’s game. The network addressed the situation in passing on their sports program, with a host remarking: “we are all still trying to wrap our heads around it … our thoughts and prayers are with him, his loved ones and everyone affected”.

Sanchez began with the network in recent years and also contributes to sports studio shows.

Previous Career

Prior to becoming an analyst, the athlete played 10 seasons in the league with several teams, including the one team, who drafted him early in the 2009 draft. He subsequently joined the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. He ended his playing career in July 2019 and shortly thereafter started at ESPN’s college football coverage before transitioning to his current employer.

Off the field, he married his wife, his spouse, in 2023. The pair has three children.