Fox Sports found itself in hot water Sunday after commentators offered “thoughts and prayers” to former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez — who was arrested just hours earlier following a violent late-night altercation in Indianapolis.
Sanchez, 38, was reportedly stabbed during a brawl with a 69-year-old truck driver early Saturday morning before being charged with three misdemeanors: battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication. The incident occurred while Sanchez was in town to cover the Raiders-Colts game for Fox.
But instead of addressing the situation head-on, Fox’s pregame hosts offered only a fleeting mention.
During the broadcast, Chris Myers introduced Brady Quinn as Sanchez’s replacement, briefly acknowledging the controversy: “Obviously we all want to send out our thoughts and prayers to Mark and those involved in Friday’s incident as we get ready for today’s game.” He quickly pivoted to, “And this game should be a good one!”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark Sanchez, his family and all of those involved. pic.twitter.com/dHXxFM0R1W
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 5, 2025
Viewers weren’t having it.
Social media lit up with criticism. One fan posted on X, “Stuff like this is why people can’t stand Fox. ‘Thoughts and prayers’? Buddy assaulted an almost 70-year-old.” Another fumed, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the aggressor? This is a bad look.”
The backlash grew after sportscaster Charissa Thompson shared a similar message, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, his family, and all those involved.” Fox Sports later issued an official statement, thanking doctors for treating Sanchez and asking for “privacy” for his family.
According to a police affidavit cited by The Guardian, Sanchez allegedly chased after the older man, who used pepper spray in self-defense before stabbing the former athlete. The driver reportedly told officers he believed Sanchez “was trying to kill him.”
Despite sustaining stab wounds, Sanchez allegedly threw the man to the ground before fleeing the scene.
Prosecutor Ryan Mears said Sunday that the fight “should not have escalated into violence or left anyone seriously injured,” adding that prosecutors “will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead.”
Sanchez remains hospitalized and is expected to appear in court Tuesday.
Discover more from Next Gen News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
In defense of Fox, I don’t think they were aware of Sanchez’ culpability right away. Just as many were not. They had to say something to explain his absence.