Why was Mark Sanchez arrested in 2006? A look into Fox analyst’s troubled history amid recent arrest

Mark Sanchez was arrested on Saturday, after being involved in an altercation in downtown Indianapolis, TMZ reported.

The Fox analyst was stabbed during the dispute and was hospitalized and was initially reported to be in critical condition. Later, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced that the former New York Jets quarterback was arrested and faced multiple misdemeanor charges for his role in the altercation that also left the other person injured.

It’s not the first time Sanchez has found himself in legal trouble. The former NFL pro was arrested in April 2006, when he was still a redshirt freshman quarterback at the University of Southern California. According to the LA Times, the Los Angeles Police Department officers took the then-19-year-old Sanchez into custody on the allegations of sexual assault.

The outlet reported that a female from USC accused the quarterback of assaulting her. After his arrest, the judge set Mark Sanchez’s bail at $200,000, while USC put him on “interim suspension,” then-vice president of student affairs, Michael L. Jackson, told the LA Times. Jackson also remarked on the ongoing investigations and said: 

“We need to understand better what’s going on before we can make a determination of anything. [...] We take these things very seriously. ... We don’t know the facts, but the nature of the allegations are serious.”

In June 2006, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that Sanchez wouldn’t be charged in the sexual assault case. The authorities cited insufficient evidence as the reason. After the announcement, Mark Sanchez issued a statement and said (via LA Times):

“From the outset of this investigation, I’ve been confident that the facts would come to light and that investigators would confirm that I was innocent of the allegation against me.” 

He acknowledged the LAPD and the LA district attorney’s office for coming to a conclusion after a thorough investigation. Sanchez said: 

“I am grateful to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office and the LAPD detectives for their diligence in pursuing the truth and taking the time necessary to make the right decision.”

The then-19-year-old redshirt quarterback also thanked his family, fellow players, coaching staff, USC members and others for their support.  

Mark Sanchez sparked another controversy in 2011 for allegedly hooking up with a 17-year-old

In 2011, the then-New York Jets quarterback found himself in another controversy when a 17-year-old girl, Eliza Kruger, alleged that they had hooked up. According to the New York Post, Kruger spoke to Deadspin.com and claimed that Sanchez flirted with her at a Manhattan nightclub on New Year’s Eve. She added:

“We went back to his place in Jersey after dinner. He lives on a golf course. There was a big storm.” 

Kruger, who was identified as the daughter of a wealthy financier, responded affirmatively when asked whether she and Sanchez hooked up. While the claim sparked a controversy, many outlets noted that no one violated any law, as the age of consent is 16 in New Jersey and 17 in New York.

At the time, Sanchez spoke with Extra and asserted that he was not dating anyone and was “just trying to relax.” He also remarked:

“Stories just spin outta control. I keep my private life private.”

Donald Trump also commented on the trending news story about Mark Sanchez and favored him: 

“He's a great guy. Everybody loves him. This guy is just a very popular man with the women, but he can not be a nicer person.”

Mark Sanchez is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after his role in recent Indianapolis altercation 

UPDATE #1 Arrest made in stabbing incident. https://t.co/quxMVPGTtg pic.twitter.com/WSu86b8P3U

— IMPD (@IMPDnews) October 4, 2025

The Fox analyst endured stab wounds after a recent argument, TMZ reported. Fox Sports also commented on Sanchez’s condition and stated (via TMZ): 

“We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”

However, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department later provided an update on the case, confirming that authorities had arrested Sanchez. The IMPD said in a statement: 

“After further investigation and following consultation with the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, IMPD arrested 38-year-old Mark Sanchez for his alleged role in this incident.”

IMPD arrested Sanchez at the hospital and charged him with “battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.” All charges against the former Dallas Cowboys star are misdemeanors, and the authorities have identified all the parties involved. IMPD also confirmed

“Sanchez is still in the hospital and has not been booked into the Adult Detention Center. The Marion County Prosecutor's Office will make the final charging decision.”

IMPD asserted that “an arrest is merely an accusation” and urged everyone to consider the former quarterback as “ innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.” Mark Sanchez or his representatives have yet to issue a statement on the matter.