Former NFL quarterback and FOX broadcaster Mark Sanchez was hospitalized after being stabbed while also being arrested for his involvement in the incident in Indianapolis last week
08:20 ET, 14 Oct 2025
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Mark Sanchez is away from his NFL duties
Mark Sanchez remains absent from his NFL duties with FOX Sports, and his replacement was criticized in the Jacksonville Jaguars home game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The former New York Jets quarterback ended up in hospital after a violent altercation which left both men bloodied. Sanchez was stabbed multiple times while 69-year-old Perry Tole had a large cut on his cheek, which extended to his tongue, with images showing the horrific injuries he sustained.
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Sanchez is facing a felony battery charge which is punishable by one-to-six years in prison if guilty, as well as misdemeanor charges of battery with injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry of a vehicle. He has been released from hospital while being seen with his arm in a sling while returning home, awaiting to hear news on his charges.
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The FOX commentator was set to be on the call for the Jaguars against the Seahawks, with former offensive lineman Mark Schlereth taking his place.
But their coverage of the game in northern Florida was criticized hugely, with the sound cutting out on multiple occasions while Schlereth had been silent for a number of moments in the game.
At one point in the game, one of the broadcasters was heard saying: “I can’t hear the producer.”
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Mark Schlereth was criticized, along with Chris Myers on the call
A number of fans had commented on the poor coverage, with the commentary team struggling with a clear lack of chemistry and talking over each other.
But it was Schlereth, who was Sanchez' replacement, who received the most criticism.
One wrote: "Can they mute Mark Schlereth mic on the Seahawks v. Jags game please. He’s almost as annoying as Collinsworth!" Another tweeted: "Chris Myers and Mark Schlereth are such boring announcers."
Seahawks fans in particular have been angered by FOX' coverage of the team in recent years, with Schlereth and Myers calling the game leaving them furious.
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There had been multiple moments of radio silence in the Seahawks win over the Jaguars
Seahawks reporter Mookie Alexander said: "This was a pretty big game and the production values were a step above public access…The audio cut out, the video froze, it was just terrible to watch. Seattle is off FOX for a month, thankfully."
Sanchez' status is unclear for the rest of the season while having to deal with his legal issues, as well as healing from his injuries.
Speaking for the first time since the incident, Sanchez said: "I'd like to focus on my recovery, and I just wanted to thank the first responders, (Sidney & Lois) Eskenazi Hospital. I just want to thank Dr. Mosler, the surgeon. She saved my life. So I'm grateful for that."
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