Key Takeaways
- Mark Sanchez and Fox Corporation are being sued after a violent incident in Indianapolis involving delivery driver Perry Tole.
- Tole claims Sanchez, appearing intoxicated, assaulted him while he was working, leading to serious injuries and emotional distress.
- Sanchez faces multiple charges, including felony battery and public intoxication, after being stabbed during the altercation.
- Tole is also suing Fox for negligent hiring, claiming they should have known about Sanchez's alleged behavior issues.
- Sanchez's brother expressed gratitude for support during this time in a statement as Sanchez focuses on recovery.
Mark Sanchez and the network that employs him are both being sued in connection with a violent incident that occurred over the weekend in Indianapolis.
According to court documents reviewed by Complex, delivery driver Perry Tole accused the former NFL quarterback of assault and battery in a civil complaint filed on Monday (Oct. 6).
In the lawsuit, Tole alleges 38-year-old Sanchez appeared intoxicated and instigated the altercation on Saturday (Oct. 4) while the plaintiff was working at the loading dock of the Westin Hotel.
Tole claims Sanchez tried to enter his work truck without permission, blocked him from using his phone, and physically shoved him, prompting Tole to use pepper spray in self-defense.
Despite this, the altercation escalated, and Tole says it left him with serious injuries to his head, jaw, and neck. The man also claims he was left with “severe permanent disfigurement, loss of function, other physical injuries, [and] emotional distress,” among other damages.
Tole is also suing Fox Corporation, Sanchez’s employer, for negligent hiring, retention, and supervision. He claims Fox "knew or should have known" that Sanchez was unfit for employment due to a "propensity for" drinking and harmful behavior.
Sanchez was arrested after being stabbed multiple times during the confrontation. He now faces charges including felony battery involving serious bodily injury, misdemeanor battery, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.
"This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved. Mark and our family are incredibly grateful for the concern, love, and support we’ve received over the past few days," said Mark's brother, Nick, in a statement shared with TMZ on Monday. "Mark remains under medical care for the serious injuries he sustained and is focused on his recovery as the legal process continues. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and medical staff."
Sanchez had been scheduled to call the Indianapolis Colts vs. Las Vegas Raiders game for Fox Sports in Indianapolis, but was replaced by Brady Quinn after the incident.
Tole is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as legal costs.
