In a new filing, Perry Tole's attorneys allege that Mark Sanchez might have been on a number of illicit substances, including fentanyl or cocaine, as the stabbing incident between the two took place in Indianapolis
19:36 ET, 27 Feb 2026
Mark Sanchez #6 of the Washington Redskins warms up before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 31-23
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Mark Sanchez was involved in an altercation with a 69-year-old man, with both men being left with substantial injuries(Image: Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The stabbing incident between Mark Sanchez and Perry Tole seemingly has had another layer added.
In October 2025, Sanchez, who at the time worked for FOX Sports, was involved in an altercation in Indianapolis with the 69-year-old delivery driver, with both men sustaining serious stab wounds. The former NFL quarterback was charged with unauthorized motor vehicle entry, public intoxication, endangering others, and faced an additional delinquent charge for battery involving serious bodily injury.
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Since then, Sanchez has remained out of the spotlight, save for posting an emotional statement to his family during the holiday season. Now, the incident between Tole and Sanchez has added a new chapter.
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In a new document filed last month in the U.S. District Court as part of the civil lawsuit against Sanchez and FOX Sports, and Huse Culinary Inc., Tole's attorneys alleged that Sanchez might have had illicit substances in his system the night of the altercation, based on a "preliminary investigation."
"Plaintiff has cause to believe that Defendant Mark Sanchez ("Sanchez"), may have had multiple substances, including illegal substances, in his system that contributed to his intoxication at the time of his altercation with Plaintiff, including but not limited to cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and alcohol," the filing read in part, according to FOX59.
"Plaintiff has cause to believe that one or more of these substances may have been consumed in one of Huse's establishments which cause or contirbuted to Sanchez's impairment and his subsequent negligent and/or knowing conduct."
That said, Tole's attorneys did not provide any evidence to support the claims, per the outlet. As such, they are pushing for discovery to determine just how intoxicated Sanchez was and if there was prior knowledge of the former NFL quarterback using other substances.
The 69-year-old man involved in the altercation with Mark Sanchez has been identified as Perry Tole
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The 69-year-old man involved in the altercation with Mark Sanchez has been identified as Perry Tole(Image: FOX59)
Asked by Mirror U.S. Sports for comment, Sanchez's lawyer, Andrew M. McNeil from Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, said in a statement: "These are allegations in a civil filing, nothing more, and they should be treated accordingly. Allegations are not evidence. The truth will be determined by facts and evidence presented at trial, and we look forward to presenting them at the appropriate time.”
For now, it remains to be seen how the case will proceed after court filings granted his unopposed request for a continuance, with the new jury trial date set for March 12.
A final pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 3, and defense attorneys did not provide a reason for the delay.
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In the same vein, Sanchez broke his social media hiatus over the holiday season, posting an emotional statement to his family as they navigated the situation.
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Taking to social media, he wrote: "This time of year always makes me look around and appreciate what matters, but this one hits different. I'm just grateful to wake up, to be home, and to be able to wrap my arms around my wife and kids.
"Thank you to the people who kept me standing and gave my family opportunities to share moments like these. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season."
His statement comes after FOX Sports announced that he had been fired following his arrest and involvement in the altercation. "We can confirm that Mark Sanchez is no longer with the network. There will be no further comment at this time," the network said.