Judge steps aside in Mark Sanchez case (Image via: Getty Images)

Former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports broadcaster Mark Sanchez remains at the center of a shocking legal and medical drama after being stabbed during an altercation in downtown Indianapolis. The former New York Jets first-round pick, who was initially in critical condition, is now stable, according to Fox Sports. The incident occurred just days before Sanchez was scheduled to call the Indianapolis Colts vs. Las Vegas Raiders game.

Mark Sanchez stabbing case: New details from the Indianapolis altercation

According to TMZ Sports and The Indianapolis Star, the confrontation took place when Sanchez allegedly got into an altercation with 69-year-old truck driver Perry Tole. The dispute occurred at a loading dock where Tole was collecting cooking oil. The situation escalated rapidly, leading Tole to fear for his life. “This guy is trying to kill me,” he reportedly told police before stabbing Sanchez in what he claimed was self-defense.Local station Fox59 reported that Tole described Sanchez as the aggressor and that his family confirmed he was recovering while consulting with lawyers. “He’s OK,” the family told the New York Post. “We want to be careful what’s said.”The Indianapolis Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation as both sides prepare for potential legal proceedings. The case has also experienced a quiet shift within the court system, adding another layer of complexity to an already evolving investigation that continues to draw widespread media attention.

Mark Sanchez’s lawsuit and Judge recusal add new twist to stabbing investigation

The aftermath quickly turned legal. Perry Tole has filed a lawsuit against Sanchez for assault and battery and also sued Fox Sports for negligent hiring, retention, and supervision. The lawsuit alleges that Fox failed to exercise due diligence regarding Sanchez’s conduct while employed as a broadcaster.Adding another twist, Judge Jennifer Prinz, initially assigned to the criminal case, recused herself from the proceedings on October 14 without explanation. The case has since been reassigned to Judge James Osborn, as reported by The Indianapolis Star.Sanchez, who retired from the NFL in 2019 and joined Fox Sports as a broadcaster, has yet to comment publicly. As the investigation deepens and legal tensions rise, the incident continues to attract nationwide attention — marking one of the most shocking off-field episodes involving a former NFL star.Also Read: Former Jets QB Mark Sanchez in legal trouble after Indianapolis stabbing incident : Could face years in prison over Felony Battery