(Wade Payne/AP photo)
A charge against NFL broadcaster and former quarterback Mark Sanchez has been upgraded to a felony after a brawl outside an Indiana bar over the weekend resulted in him being stabbed, law enforcement officials announced Monday.
Sanchez, who was in the area to call Sunday’s game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders, may now face one to six years in prison, Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears told reporters during a press conference.
Sanchez was initially charged with three misdemeanors, including battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication, after the dispute became physical.
The battery charge has now been upgraded to a felony, Mears said.
Sanchez, 38, allegedly attacked a 69-year-old food delivery driver after arguing with him over a parking spot. The driver reportedly told cops he used pepper spray on Sanchez to stop him, but when that didn’t work, he pulled a knife in self-defense, stabbing Sanchez several times.
Sanchez was hospitalized, and later arrested for his role in the brawl.
On Sunday, Mears rebuked Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) for a now-deleted X post that questioned a “lack of public safety” and said he was praying for Sanchez’s full recovery.
“The governor attempted to exploit senseless violence for political gain without knowing any facts,” Mears posted on his own X account. “The truth didn’t fit his narrative and he deleted his tweet. Real leadership requires a basic understanding of facts and a desire to do more than just blame others.”
The governor attempted to exploit senseless violence for political gain without knowing any facts. The truth didn’t fit his narrative and he deleted his tweet. Real leadership requires a basic understanding of facts and a desire to do more than just blame others. https://t.co/it8NAmyae7
— Ryan Mears (@ryanmearsindy) October 5, 2025
Sanchez is due in court on Oct. 7, the Indianapolis Star reported.