Mark Sanchez, the former NFL quarterback, is “still recovering” from injuries sustained during a confrontation with a grease truck driver in Indianapolis, according to his attorney who spoke in court on Wednesday.
Sanchez, who played for the Jets and is now a FOX Sports analyst, is not required to attend a brief court session in Indianapolis nor his next one scheduled for December 2, as noted by Judge James Osborn.
“Thank you for permitting my client to be released today,” defense attorney Tim Delaney remarked. “He’s still on the mend from his injuries.”
The 38-year-old Sanchez has pleaded not guilty to charges including battery resulting in serious bodily harm, trespassing in a vehicle, and public intoxication related to the October 4 incident involving Perry Toll, 69.
According to court documents, Toll was parked at the loading dock of the Westin Hotel when Sanchez confronted him for not moving his truck.
Toll reportedly used pepper spray on Sanchez during the altercation, but Sanchez continued to attack, allegedly slamming Toll into walls and the ground.
Prosecutors claim that Toll believed his life was in danger, prompting him to pull a knife and stab Sanchez two or three times in the chest, which led Sanchez to flee the scene.
The former NFL player required surgery for his chest wound, while Toll was also hospitalized with injuries. Graphic photos depicted Toll in a hospital bed, bloodied and connected to medical devices.
A previous judge in this Marion County case changed their decision last week without explanation, leading to Judge Osborn setting Sanchez’s trial date for December 11.
If found guilty, Sanchez could face up to six years in prison and fines reaching $10,000.
Following his hospitalization, Sanchez expressed gratitude to the surgeon who “saved my life,” mentioning he is “slowly recovering” but acknowledges it will be a “long process.” He has not commented on the ongoing lawsuit.
Toll has filed a lawsuit against Sanchez, asserting that the incident resulted in “severe and permanent injuries” to his head, jaw, and neck.
