WATCH: Mark Sanchez seen clutching his side after stabbing in Indianapolis, ex-NFL star says he can’t recall the attack

Surveillance video shows former NFL quarterback and Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez stumbling down a downtown Indianapolis sidewalk, clutching his side after an altercation that left him hospitalized with stab wounds and prompted criminal charges. The footage, described by police and local reporters as recorded just minutes after the fight, is central to investigators’ reconstruction of what officials say began as a dispute over a parking space.

Police say the confrontation started in a loading-dock alley near downtown hotels and bars shortly after midnight, when Sanchez confronted a 69-year-old truck driver who was working at the site.





Sanchez was in Indianapolis for Fox Sports’ coverage of Sunday’s Colts–Raiders game and allegedly forced his way toward the driver’s parked box truck, became physical, and at one point threw the driver to the ground. The driver told officers he first used pepper spray; when that did not stop the confrontation, he said he drew a knife and struck Sanchez “two or three times.” Police describe the driver as saying he feared for his life, thinking “this guy is trying to kill me.”

According to New York Post website, Sanchez was initially charged with three misdemeanors, battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication, but later added a Level 5 felony count of battery involving serious bodily injury after receiving updated medical information about the truck driver and reviewing additional investigation materials, including video and witness accounts. The felony carries a possible sentence of one to six years in prison.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police chief Chris Bailey said, “We’re lucky that no one’s dead right now as a result of this incident that involved a knife.”

During a later hospital interview, the former USC quarterback told investigators he had no recollection of who assaulted him or where the altercation occurred, according to the affidavit. Sanchez, who had been in Indianapolis to cover Sunday’s Colts-Raiders game, reportedly recalled only “grabbing for a window.” He is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday(October 7).

Fox Sports did not immediately comment beyond confirming Sanchez would not be on the network’s broadcast following the incident. Brady Quinn stepped in for game coverage, replacing Sanchez.