Former football star Mark Sanchez, 38, was released from the hospital and taken directly to jail after being stabbed during an alleged drunken altercation with an elderly man in Indianapolis, according to multiple reports.
Authorities say the incident occurred late Friday night when Sanchez, reportedly intoxicated, became enraged at a 69-year-old grease truck driver whose vehicle was blocking an alley where Sanchez was running sprints.
The driver, who had removed his hearing aids and couldn’t hear Sanchez, told police the former quarterback slammed him into the ground by a dumpster.
Fearing for his life, the elderly man allegedly stabbed Sanchez in self-defense after pepper-spraying him, police said. Both men sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital. Sanchez suffered stab wounds to the chest and was initially listed in critical condition but later stabilized.
After being discharged Sunday morning, Sanchez was taken to the Marion County Jail, where he was booked on charges of public intoxication and battery. He reportedly posted a $300 cash bond before being released.
Photos obtained by local media show the elderly victim hospitalized with a deep facial wound and neck brace. Family members said the cut went through his cheek and struck his tongue.
The incident remains under investigation, and police have not confirmed whether additional charges will be filed.