Mark Sanchez Stabbing Case: New Wound Photos, Video Leaked
Former New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez continued to lie in a hospital bed Monday morning, even as prosecutors hit him with an upgraded charge of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, a felony, in connection with a violent altercation in the early hours of Saturday morning that resulted in stab wounds to the 2009 fifth overall NFL draft pick, and what were described as “lacerations” to another man.
Even as the retired QB turned Fox Sports football commentator posted bond from his hospital room, according to Indianapolis TV news reporter Angela Ganote, disturbing new photos have emerged revealing a severe wound to the face on the 69-year-old man initially described as Sanchez’s attacker, but who has since turned out to the alleged victim in the incident that left Sanchez with severe stab wounds, inflicted by the victim in self-defense, according to court documents.
Ganote’s station, WXIN Fox 59, has been out in front with new details on the Sanchez stabbing case. The station’s morning anchor first posted documents showing that Sanchez posted a $300 bond early Sunday afternoon. According to the station’s sources, as cited by Ganote, the 38-year-old father of three remained in the hospital at least as of 8 a.m. local time Monday morning.
WXIN reporter Max Lewis obtained photos, provided by the family of Sanchez’s alleged victim, showing a deep wound to the right side of the man’s face.
Readers should be cautioned that the photos are very graphic and could be upsetting. Those who choose to access them can do so at this link.
Video of Sanchez Following Stabbing
On Monday, the New York Post obtained and published leaked security camera video said to depict a wounded and bloodied Sanchez in the immediate aftermath of the confrontation, seeming to stagger down an Indianapolis street while blood soaked through his shirt.
Sanchez was initially charged with “suspicion of battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication,” all misdemeanors, in relation to the incident.
According to a “probable cause” affidavit filed by prosecutors in Indianapolis, the incident involved Sanchez and a truck driver identified only by the initials P.T., and who is described as “an employee for a company that specializes in commercial cooking oil recycling and disposal.”
The driver was “backed into the loading dock area at the Westin (Hotel), performing his assigned duties” when Sanchez confronted him. Sanchez, according to the document, was described by P.T. as smelling of alcohol, repeatedly telling P.T. that he was not allowed to park in the loading dock, and claiming that the hotel did not want its used cooking oil taken away for recycling.
Sanchez became increasingly belligerent, according to the account filed by prosecutors, which caused P.T. to believe that Sanchez — whom the driver did not recognize — was trying to kill him. A violent exchange ensued in which both men were wounded.
Alleged Victim Reportedly Files Lawsuit
P.T. “stated that he suffered a severe laceration to the side of his face, penetrating all the way through his left cheek. When asked to rate his pain on a scale of 10, he stated it eventually reached a 10,” according to prosecutors.
While Sanchez now faces a more serious felony charge as well as the three misdemeanors, the ex-NFL player will have to deal with a lawsuit as well — as will Sanchez’s current employer, the Fox Network, according to WXIN’s Lewis.
“The man who was allegedly attacked by former QB and FOX analyst Mark Sanchez has filed a lawsuit against Sanchez and FOX,” Lewis reported Monday afternoon. “The suit is asking for an unspecified amount of damages.”
Mike Tomlin Calls Out Steelers’ Run Defense After Challenging Week 1 Win
The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to pick up a win in Week 1, albeit under stressful circumstances. It required a fourth-quarter comeback against the New York Jets, largely due to a leaky defense that underperformed.
In the aftermath of the 34-32 victory, linebacker Patrick Queen emphasized that his side of the ball needs to be better. Head coach Mike Tomlin echoed that sentiment, further explaining that one particular area struggled.
Mike Tomlin Addresses Steelers’ Need for Better Run Defense
Speaking to the media on Sunday afternoon, Tomlin said the run defense wasn’t good enough. Old friend Justin Fields and the Jets’ stable of halfbacks achieved too much success.
“We weren’t good enough in the running game, particularly the RPO running game,” Tomlin said. “We didn’t put enough pressure on Justin.”
In all, New York toted the ball 39 times to the tune of 182 yards. An average of 4.7 yards per carry is good, yet not quite elite. With that said, the mark was 5.0 in the opening half of play. Fields managed just 48 yards on his 12 carries, but a pair of touchdowns kept victory within reach. Running back Breece Hall had 107 yards on 19 attempts.
When asked whether the struggles were due to schematics or simply good plays being made, Tomlin weaved them in together.
“It was both,” Tomlin said. “There were instances [when] weren’t good enough. When he walked in on the keeper, on the touchdown, for example. There were some instances where he simply won. We had an appropriate number of people, and that’s what’s challenging about quarterback mobility — particularly the plus-one running game when it’s designed runs. There’s not a lot of gang-tackling under those circumstances. There’s a bunch of one-on-one football. When big-time athletes get in one-on-one circumstances, oftentimes they win. He showed us some of that. Not that we were surprised by that. That was on our team a year ago.”
According to rbsdm.com, the Jets posted a healthy 0.08 EPA/play on rushes. Paired with a 47% success rate, that’s unacceptable from an elite defense.
Tomlin knows it, hence his disappointment despite a win for the team.
Factors That Could Help Pittsburgh Improve Shaky Week 1 Run Defense
Fortunately, a few things are working in the Steelers’ favor. One of them could be the eventual debut of rookie lineman Derrick Harmon. The club’s first-round pick continues to rehab an MCL sprain, missing the last week of practice. Because he didn’t go on injured reserve, though, he is eligible to play whenever he’s deemed healthy. His practice participation and subsequent progression in return-to-play protocol will be worth monitoring.
Secondly, history is on Pittsburgh’s side. Teryl Austin’s defense ranked seventh in EPA/rush allowed last year at -0.09, per SumerSports. Only five teams surrendered fewer yards on the ground during the season. That isn’t due to an inherent need to pass, either, as the Steelers’ offense lacked explosion or elite-level quarterback play. Opponents absolutely could’ve played at their own pace.
Third, the Jets are pretty easily the most daunting run offense Pittsburgh will face before its Week 5 bye. Upcoming games against the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings feature units that ranked 19th, 25th and 26th, respectively, in EPA/rush a season ago. Positive regression thanks to lesser competition figures to help.
Even after a win, there’s plenty of room for improvement.
