Driver claims self-defense in stabbing of ex-QB, current analyst Mark Sanchez
Mon Oct 6 1:13am ET
Field Level Media
A 69-year-old delivery driver alleged to have stabbed former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez said he feared that "this guy is trying to kill me" so he acted in self-defense, according to court records filed on Sunday.
The altercation early Saturday morning in an alley in downtown Indianapolis led to Sanchez, 38, going to a hospital for stabs wound to his upper right torso as well as being charged by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police with misdemeanor counts of battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.
Sanchez, who was in Indianapolis as a Fox Sports analyst for the host Colts game against the Las Vegas Raiders, remained in a hospital early Sunday. He was replaced on the broadcast by another former quarterback, Brady Quinn, in the Colts' 40-6 victory Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium.
"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."
According to court documents, Sanchez and the other man, identified by his initials "PT," got into a dispute near Loughmiller's Pub & Eatery. The driver's truck was parked at a loading dock to collect used cooking oil, and Sanchez opened the driver's door to talk to him, per surveillance video.
The driver wasn't wearing his hearing aids and struggled to hear him. When he leaned in, he thought Sanchez smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred, he told police later in an affidavit.
Indianapolis police wrote in an affidavit that Sanchez ran after the driver, grabbed him and threw him toward the wall of a hotel, leading to a brawl.
After Sanchez threw him to the ground, according to the police investigation's report, the driver "realized things had escalated, and he was now in physical danger," he told police per the court documents.
The driver used pepper spray on Sanchez, who kept advancing, so he pulled out his knife in self-defense and struck him two or three times, he told police.
The driver, who sustained a laceration to his left cheek, per court documents, said Sanchez looked shocked and ran out of the alley. The driver was treated and released from Methodist Hospital, according to The Indianapolis Star.
Sanchez was found by responding officers in a bar next to the alley and was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition and later upgraded to stable condition. He has been released from the hospital, TMZ Sports reported on Sunday evening.
Police wrote in an affidavit that Sanchez told them in the hospital that he didn't remember what happened.
Fox Sports acknowledged Sanchez's stabbing and arrest during its national pregame shows and during game coverage. Both Charissa Thompson, host of "Fox NFL Kickoff" on Sunday morning and "Fox NFL Sunday" host Curt Menefee said the Fox Sports team was "still trying to wrap our heads around" what happened and their "thoughts and prayers are with Mark Sanchez, his family and all of those involved."
Sanchez was selected by the New York Jets with the fifth overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft and guided the club to two straight AFC Championship Game appearances. He posted a 37-36 record and threw for 15,357 yards with 86 touchdowns and 89 interceptions with the Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and the Washington franchise.
In college, Sanchez was a big star for Southern California in 2008, when he passed for 3,207 yards, 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Trojans went 12-1 and finished the campaign as the No. 3 team in the country.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 6
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Weekly Bender: More Things Change the More They Stay the Same
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Running Back Rundown: Week 5
- Free agent Odell Beckham Jr. accepts 6-game PED suspension
- Cardinals fine coach Jonathan Gannon $100k for outburst
- Colts sign K Michael Badgley to replace injured Spencer Shrader
- Chargers acquire Odafe Oweh from Ravens
- Falcons trying to wring points out of run game ahead of MNF showcase
- NFL fines Cowboys' Jerry Jones $250K for obscene gesture
- Ravens signing S C.J. Gardner-Johnson to practice squad
- Giants coach: QB Jaxson Dart (hamstring) 'OK' to play vs. Eagles
- Bengals acquiring QB Joe Flacco from Browns
- Taylor Swift 'too locked in' on Chiefs to do Super Bowl halftime
- Eagles LG Landon Dickerson out 1-2 weeks
- Lions CB Terrion Arnold likely out for season
- Chargers place RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) on IR
- Mark Sanchez, FOX sued over incident with truck driver
- Week 5 MNF: Chiefs-Jaguars Preview, Props, Prediction
- Eagles RB Saquon Barkley appears on injury report with knee issue
- Vikings' Carson Wentz ailing, J.J. McCarthy set to practice next week
- Lions CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder) to miss extended time
- Raiders TE Brock Bowers (knee) week-to-week
- Patriots RB Antonio Gibson (knee) out for season
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 6: Jaxon Dart, Michael Carter and More Top Pickups
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 5 Usage Report: Snap Counts, Targets, and Michael Carter’s Backfield in Arizona?
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players To Drop Week 6: Jerry Jeudy, Jalen Tolbert and Top Cuts
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Waiver Wire Week 6: DeMarvion Overshown is This Week’s Top Stash
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Ryan Flournoy, Hassan Haskins and More Players to Add
- Fantasy Life: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Is Another Fantasy Football Breakout Star WR
- Fantasy Life: Players To Drop In Week 6 Fantasy Football: Time To Cut Jerry Jeudy
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Early Fantasy Football Rankings: Moving Up Drake Maye and Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Takeaways: Jacory Croskey-Merritt Leads The Utilization Report For Week 6
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Week 6 QB Streamers: Spencer Rattler, Bryce Young and More
The Paur Report
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger is a desperation-level fantasy option for the Week 6 Thursday night tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles, despite seeing increased usage last week. Bellinger led the team in receiving yards in Week 5 with four receptions on four targets for 52 yards, earning 7.2 fantasy points while playing a 52% snap share, an elevated role due to the offense utilizing more two-tight end sets following the Malik Nabers injury. This short-term value is severely limited by a brutal matchup against the Eagles, who rank as the 4th toughest defense against tight ends, allowing an average of only 7.82 fantasy points against the position. Given the Eagles' 3rd-best red zone defense (42.9% Defense Red Zone TD Rate) and Bellinger's low ceiling (zero touchdowns in 2025), he remains off the fantasy radar for all but the deepest leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a risky, touchdown-dependent stream for the Thursday night matchup, despite his emergence as a key red-zone weapon. Johnson, the TE16 in fantasy with 7.08 fantasy points per game, has found the end zone three times this year, a figure made remarkable by the fact that rookie QB Jaxson Dart's only career touchdown passes have all gone to the tight end. This connection is vital, as Johnson operates with a high 75.4% snap share on his 15 receptions and 22 targets, but the Philadelphia Eagles present a brutal challenge. They rank as the 4th toughest fantasy defense against tight ends, allowing just 7.82 points against per game. Furthermore, the Eagles' elite 3rd-ranked red zone defense, which boasts a 42.9% Defense Red Zone TD Rate, significantly lowers the odds of Johnson continuing his unsustainable touchdown pace, making him a desperation play.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel had the best game of his young NFL career in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens, recording two catches for 13 yards and a touchdown on three targets. Noel has played a limited role so far this season, logging just five catches for 23 yards and a score on seven targets across five games. Noel has also yet to play more than 31% of the Texans' offensive snaps in any games and currently appears buried on the wide receiver depth chart behind Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jayden Higgins, and Christian Kirk. The 23-year-old Noel has some long-term appeal and could be a stash candidate in deep redraft leagues. Still, in the short term, he's a long shot to provide consistent fantasy production.
From RotoBaller
Through just five games in 2025, Dalton Kincaid has recorded 20 catches for 287 yards and a single-season career-high three touchdowns on 24 targets. While this could be the start of a long-awaited breakout season for the third-year tight end, there are a couple of worrying signs for fantasy managers to be aware of. For one, Kincaid has yet to play more than 55% of Buffalo's offensive snaps in any game this year as he splits playing time with Bills tight ends Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes. Secondly, Kincaid is still averaging less than five targets per game, making him quite reliant on touchdowns for fantasy production. The 25-year-old has proven to have enough of a role in an excellent Bills offense that he profiles as a mid-to-low-end fantasy starter at the tight end position. Still, this may be a decent time to sell high on Kincaid.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is a volatile RB2 for the Week 6 Thursday night matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, despite his recent workhorse usage. Skattebo, currently the RB17 in fantasy points per game (12.26 FPTS/G) on the season, has commanded a 66.7% timeshare in his last two games, recording 63 carries for 240 yards and two touchdowns, plus 18 receptions for 143 yards. The Eagles defense is a moderate run matchup, ranking 22nd by allowing 126.8 rushing yards per game and giving up four rushing touchdowns, yet they are a top-tier challenge near the goal line, boasting the 3rd best red-zone defense with a 42.9% touchdown rate. Furthermore, the Eagles have been generous to fantasy running backs, allowing 23.26 fantasy points per game (25th in the NFL), but the potential return of Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Skattebo's costly red-zone fumble last week temper expectations, making him a touchdown-dependent RB2/Flex play.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Tory Horton has flashed high-end potential through his first five NFL games, recording nine catches for 113 yards and three touchdowns on 14 targets. The 22-year-old has established himself as the clear WR3 in Seattle alongside star wideouts Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. Horton is tough to trust for fantasy managers in the short term because of his low target volume in a run-heavy Seahawks offense. Still, he's a name to monitor and a player for deep-league fantasy managers to stash for his long-term upside.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker hauled in four catches for 62 yards on six targets in his team's Week 5 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The 24-year-old now has 19 catches for 286 yards and four touchdowns through his first five games of 2025. Tucker's production is mostly buoyed by a 145-yard, three-touchdown game in Week 3. Still, he's not a bad option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues to have on their bench, particularly with Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) currently battling a knee injury and uncertain to play in Week 6. Tucker should be rostered in all leagues with 12 or more teams and profiles as a boom/bust WR4/flex option in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White took full advantage of his opportunity to be the team's RB1 in Week 5 with Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot) sidelined by injury. White recorded 71 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 18 total touches, and has now logged 213 yards from scrimmage and three scores on 49 total touches for the season. With Irving's status in doubt for Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers, White looks poised for another week with a significant workload. The 26-year-old is a must-start running back in Week 6 and has a good chance to maintain that status for as long as Irving is unable to play.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is quietly putting together an excellent season through his first five games of 2025. The 32-year-old has completed 71.3% of his pass attempts for 1,356 yards and 10 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Prescott also leads the NFL in pass attempts, and he's piloting a Cowboys offense that is currently averaging over 30 points per game despite missing several starting offensive linemen and star wideout CeeDee Lamb (ankle) for the past two weeks. With Lamb potentially on his way back this week, Prescott's stellar play should continue. He gets a favorable matchup in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers and profiles as a solid fantasy QB1.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Browns have traded quarterback Joe Flacco to the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Flacco lost his job to Dillon Gabriel, who performed well enough in his first start for the Browns to feel comfortable moving forward without him. It's a move that's nominal as Flacco gets dealt to the Bengals in exchange for a flip-flop of 5th and 6th round picks. Still, the Browns get a little bit of value for a player they weren't planning on playing again this season anyway. Flacco will slide into the QB2 ranks again with the Bengals but they will need to be better in protection for him to do anything at all moving forward this season.
Dynasty | The Bengals have traded for Joe Flacco, moving Jake Browning to the bench. Dynasty Analysis: The player they acquired may be a surprise but the fact they acquired someone of note really isn't. Browning just hasn't played well this season and the season for the Bengals is on the brink of disaster. Browning will stay at the ready behind Flacco but he isn't roster worthy after this year's audition went horribly wrong.
Dynasty | Free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham has been suspended for six games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Dynasty Analysis: It may not mean a thing as Beckham still hasn't signed with a team. With this news, that makes it even more unlikely he lands with a club moving forward. It would honestly be a surprise if Beckham played in the NFL again as injuries have clearly zapped him of his immense talent. If you were somehow still holding on to him, it's time to let it go.
Dynasty | The Jaguars have placed tight end Brenton Strange on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Strange is dealing with a hip injury that's now going to keep him out for at least a month. Poised for a breakout this year, Strange has posted a 20/204/0 line so far and been a bit of a disappointment. Hunter Long looks to be the beneficiary of his absence and could be a good pickup this week. Strange's ADP is likely to go down a touch with his rough start to 2025.
Dynasty | Nyheim Hines has signed on with the Chargers practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: If this is the biggest move the Chargers make, it bodes well for the likes of Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal. It seemed inevitable the Chargers would sign someone after the losses of both Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton but Hines isn't much of a threat to this duo. Hines would be worth a roster spot should he be elevated to the active roster but he'd also likely clog a roster a bit as his ceiling is likely as a third down or receiving back. In the end, this is bigger news for Haskins and Vidal than Hines.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. continued his hot start to the season in a 40-6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5. Pittman caught five of his six targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in the blowout win, giving him scores in four of his five games this year. The veteran receiver has been posting modest yardage totals as he's averaging 54.6 yards per game thus far, but he's emerged as Daniel Jones' favorite target so far. Pittman will look to stay hot in a Week 6 home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are allowing just the 20th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season, but Pittman can be utilized as a WR3 heading into Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Despite finishing the game with just three catches for 20 yards, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington was heavily involved in the Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Washington logged more snaps than any other Steelers tight end and was highly effective as a run-blocker, paving the way for running back Kenneth Gainwell's 99-yard rushing performance. According to head coach Mike Tomlin, Washington's increased utilization was by design. "You can't play 4-3 teams with 250-pound tight ends", Tomlin stated in a press conference on Tuesday. He also hinted that Washington could again see significant playing time in this week's divisional meeting with the Cleveland Browns, who boast a strong defensive front. The third-year pro isn't a fantasy option just yet, but if he continues to play ahead of Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith again on Sunday, it will be worth monitoring whether that usage starts to show up in the box score.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs turned in his best game of the season in a Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Downs caught six of his eight targets for a season-high 54 yards in a 40-6 blowout win on Sunday. The veteran wideout has been quiet to start the season, but he will hope his performance is a springboard to a larger role going forward. Downs will now prepare to host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. The Cardinals are allowing just the 20th-most fantasy points per game this year, but Downs should stay involved with Alec Pierce (concussion) expected to miss a third-straight game. Downs sets up as a WR5/flex option heading into Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren has been one of the top rookies in the league this season. He stayed hot in a 40-6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5, catching all four of his targets for 44 yards and a touchdown in the blowout win. Warren has now scored touchdowns in two straight games as he continues to operate as one of the top options in the Indy passing attack. The rookie will now turn his attention to a Week 6 home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have been a decent matchup for tight ends this season, allowing the 13th-most fantasy points per game to the position through five games. Warren sets up as a no-brainer TE1 in all fantasy leagues in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy continued his slow start to the season in a Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. Jeudy finished with just two catches for 15 yards on five targets in the close loss to Minnesota. With Dillon Gabriel making his NFL debut, Jeudy finished third on the team in targets but was unable to do much with the looks, continuing what has been a disappointing campaign for Cleveland's No. 1 wideout. Jeudy now has just 15 catches for 197 scoreless yards through five games. He will hope to get things going in a Week 6 road matchup against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that is allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers. That being said, Jeudy's production has been too poor to trust him in fantasy, even in a plus matchup.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones continued his hot start to the season in a 40-6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5. Jones completed 20 of his 29 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout victory. The veteran quarterback's performance has been one of the best stories of the season as he now has thrown for 1,290 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions while adding three more rushing touchdowns. Jones will now prepare to host an Arizona Cardinals defense that has been tough on opposing passers this year. That being said, Jones has been consistent enough to trust as a low-end QB1 heading into Week 6.
From RotoBaller
