A 69-year-old truck driver is suing former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez following a violent confrontation outside a hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Perry Tole's lawsuit, filed in Indiana state court, seeks unspecified damages for injuries he sustained in the incident and claims Sanchez instigated the fight.
According to the lawsuit filed on Monday, Tole suffered severe permanent disfigurement, loss of function, emotional distress, and other injuries during the altercation, which occurred late Saturday night over a parking dispute. Eyewitness reports indicate Sanchez, smelling of alcohol, provoked the situation by accosting Tole in a hotel loading area.
The confrontation escalated after Tole sprayed Sanchez with pepper spray as he attempted to block Tole’s access. Sanchez allegedly entered Tole’s truck without permission, leading to a physical struggle. Tole said he pulled out a knife in self-defense when Sanchez continued to approach after being sprayed.
As a result of the fight, Sanchez sustained stab wounds to his upper torso and was taken to the hospital following the incident. Law enforcement noted that Tole’s injuries were severe, with images circulating online showing him in a neck brace and with visible wounds.
Mark Sanchez is currently facing felony battery charges along with several misdemeanors due to his involvement in the fight. Prosecutors described the conflict as trivial, stating it began over parking space disagreements.
Attorneys representing Tole have not responded to requests for comments regarding the lawsuit, which demands a trial by jury.
Sanchez, who retired from the NFL in 2019 after a decade of play, is known for his time with teams such as the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Football Team. He transitioned to sports broadcasting post-retirement, joining Fox Sports as an analyst in 2021.
