Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was stabbed multiple times during a late-night altercation in downtown Indianapolis. The incident occurred early Saturday morning and has led to misdemeanor charges against Sanchez, according to court records filed on Sunday.

Sanchez, 38, was involved in a confrontation with a 69-year-old truck driver identified as P.T. The altercation took place in an alley near a hotel where Sanchez was scheduled to work as an analyst for a game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders. Sanchez was hospitalized with stab wounds to his upper right torso and remained in stable condition as of Sunday morning.

The police affidavit states that Sanchez, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, approached the driver as he was performing his duties for a cooking oil recycling company. Sanchez allegedly confronted the driver about his parked vehicle, which escalated into a physical altercation. The driver claimed he feared for his life and used pepper spray before pulling out a knife to defend himself.

According to the affidavit, Sanchez was initially stabbed two or three times and then again as he continued to advance toward the driver. The driver reported that Sanchez looked shocked before fleeing the scene. The police were dispatched to a nearby pub shortly after the incident, where they found Sanchez with multiple stab wounds.

Sanchez has been charged with battery resulting in bodily injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication. The charges were announced by Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, who emphasized that the situation should not have escalated to violence. Mears stated, "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."

The police have obtained a warrant to collect Sanchez's phone and clothing from the hospital for further investigation. Sanchez's initial court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Marion County.

Witnesses and video footage from nearby hotels corroborate the driver's account of the events. The footage shows Sanchez approaching the truck and engaging in a heated exchange with the driver, which ultimately led to the physical confrontation. The driver reported that Sanchez had entered his truck without permission and attempted to block him from calling for help.

Sanchez, who played for several NFL teams including the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington, has been a Fox Sports analyst since 2021. Following the incident, Fox Sports expressed concern for Sanchez and his family, stating that they are still processing the situation.

As the investigation continues, both Sanchez and the driver are recovering from their injuries, with Sanchez's condition reported as stable. The case highlights the potential for conflicts to escalate into violence, prompting discussions about safety and conflict resolution in public spaces.