Former NFL quarterback and ex-Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez returned to social media Friday for the first time since his October arrest, sharing a message of gratitude for his family while offering no apology to the 69-year-old man he is accused of brutally assaulting.
In an Instagram post shared on Dec. 5, Sanchez, 39, posted photos with his wife, actress Perry Mattfeld, and their children. “This time of year always makes me look around and appreciate what matters, but this one hits different,” Sanchez wrote. “I’m just grateful—to wake up, to be home, and to be able to wrap my arms around my wife and kids.”
While Sanchez thanked the “people who kept me standing,” he made no mention of Perry Tole, the 69-year-old delivery driver he is charged with beating during a drunken rampage in Indianapolis. There was no expression of remorse for the incident, which left Tole with severe facial injuries and resulted in Sanchez being fired from his broadcasting job.
The Charges:
Sanchez faces serious legal peril stemming from the Oct. 4 incident. Prosecutors in Marion County, Indiana, have charged him with:
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Level 5 Felony Battery involving serious bodily injury, which carries a potential sentence of one to six years in prison.
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Misdemeanor Battery with Injury.
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Unlawful Entry of a Motor Vehicle (Misdemeanor).
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Public Intoxication (Misdemeanor).
Accusations of a Drunken Rampage The charges stem from a chaotic night in downtown Indianapolis, where Sanchez was scheduled to call a Colts-Raiders game. According to police affidavits and court documents, the allegations against Sanchez paint a disturbing picture of the events leading up to his arrest:
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Erratic Behavior: Witnesses reported seeing Sanchez “acting erratically” and doing wind sprints in an alley behind a bar before the altercation. Police noted he smelled of alcohol and was slurring his speech.
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Assault on an Elderly Man: Sanchez allegedly approached Tole, who was sitting in his truck delivering cooking oil, and unlawfully entered the vehicle. When the driver exited, surveillance footage reportedly shows Sanchez chasing the 69-year-old.
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Severe Violence: Investigators say Sanchez grabbed Tole and threw him against a wall and later into a dumpster. When Tole attempted to defend himself with pepper spray, Sanchez reportedly wiped it off and continued the attack.
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Self-Defense Stabbing: Fearing for his life and believing Sanchez was “trying to kill him,” Tole used a pocket knife to stab Sanchez in the torso.
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Victim’s Injuries: Tole suffered a laceration to his cheek and other injuries that his attorneys claim have caused “permanent disfigurement” and severe emotional distress. Tole has since filed a civil lawsuit against Sanchez and Fox Sports.
Despite the severity of the accusations and the injuries inflicted on the victim, Sanchez’s public statement focused solely on his own gratitude for being home for the holidays. He remains free on bond while awaiting trial.
