The criminal trial of former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez has been postponed for a fifth time, over nine months after his October arrest for allegedly attacking a truck driver in Indianapolis. The trial, now rescheduled for September 8, was initially set to begin last year.
Sanchez, 39, faces multiple charges including felony battery, misdemeanor public intoxication, and unauthorized entry of a vehicle. The alleged incident occurred on October 4, when Sanchez, who was in Indianapolis to cover a Colts game for Fox Sports, reportedly accosted 69-year-old truck driver Perry Tole. According to a police affidavit, Sanchez smelled of alcohol and allegedly entered Tole's truck without permission and blocked him. Tole stated he used pepper spray in self-defense, and when Sanchez advanced, Tole brandished a knife.
During the altercation, Sanchez sustained multiple stab wounds to his upper right torso. Tole, who has not been charged and claims self-defense, is suing Sanchez, Fox Sports, and a local restaurateur in federal court. Tole has claimed that Sanchez may have been under the influence of cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and alcohol at the time of the incident.
Following his arrest and release from the hospital, Sanchez was fired by Fox Sports in early November. The trial has seen several previous delays, with dates postponed from November to December, and then to March, April, and May, before the current July 13 date was set and subsequently pushed to September 8.
