The former New York Jets quarterback received a scheduling reprieve in his upcoming criminal case. Mark Sanchez, who faces serious charges from an October altercation in Indianapolis, will now have several additional months before standing trial in an Indiana courtroom.
Mark Sanchez gets trial date pushed to March 2026 (Image Credit Brooke Sutton via AP)
Mark Sanchez gets trial date pushed to March 2026 (Image Credit Brooke Sutton via AP)
His legal team successfully requested more time as the former NFL star continues dealing with the aftermath of the violent encounter that left both men hospitalized.
Mark Sanchez gets trial date pushed to March 2026
Sanchez’s legal team submitted an unopposed request for a continuance, which the court granted, moving the trial from December 11, 2025, to March 12, 2026. The final pretrial hearing is now scheduled for March 3, 2026, according to court records.
During an October 22 hearing, Sanchez’s lawyers told a Marion County judge that Sanchez was still recovering from injuries he sustained in the October 4 altercation.
Defense attorney Edward Timothy Delaney told the judge, “Thank you for allowing our client to be excused from today’s hearing. He’s still recovering from the injuries he sustained in the medical intervention, so that process is ongoing and may impact some of the dates”.
When asked after the October hearing if Sanchez’s condition would allow for a trial in December, Chief Trial Deputy Daniel Ciccini responded, “Don’t know the answer to that, but I doubt December is a realistic trial date”.
Sanchez faces a Level 5 felony battery charge carrying a possible one to six-year sentence. He also faces three misdemeanors, including battery with injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. He has pleaded not guilty and remains free on bond.
Court papers say Sanchez confronted 69-year-old delivery driver Perry Tole behind the Westin Hotel just after midnight on October 4. Sanchez told him he was not supposed to be there, attacked him, and tried to enter his truck. Tole was collecting used cooking oil.
Police say Tole pepper-sprayed Sanchez and then stabbed him when the attack continued. Tole said he feared for his life and thought “this guy is trying to kill me.” Prosecutors ruled he acted in self-defense.
Tole suffered a deep cut to his left cheek and now faces ongoing medical treatment.
Tole’s attorneys filed an amended civil complaint on November 21. The lawsuit targets Sanchez, Fox Corporation, and Huse Culinary.
A judge allowed expanded discovery, which signals a complex case. Fox Sports cut Sanchez in early November and hired Drew Brees as his replacement.