The family of former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez has issued a statement following his firing from Fox Sports, where the 38-year-old had worked as an NFL analyst. The announcement comes as Sanchez continues to recover from injuries sustained in a violent altercation last month in Indianapolis. “It’s been a long month for Mark as he continues to recover from serious injuries while also grieving the loss of a close friend,” said Nick Sanchez Jr. in a family statement, according to IndyStar. “While the recent news — and its timing — is understandably disappointing, our priority remains his continued healing and recovery.”

Police say Sanchez was involved in an Oct. 4 altercation with 69-year-old truck driver Perry Tole outside the downtown Westin hotel. Sanchez, in Indianapolis to cover the Colts-Raiders game for Fox, allegedly entered Tole’s truck without permission and shoved the driver. According to a police affidavit, Tole pepper-sprayed Sanchez, who continued to advance, prompting Tole to pull a knife. Sanchez suffered multiple stab wounds and was hospitalized, while Tole was also treated for injuries. Sanchez now faces a Level 5 felony charge of battery resulting in serious bodily injury and three misdemeanors, including public intoxication and unlawful entry of a vehicle. Tole has not been charged and has filed a civil lawsuit against Sanchez and Fox Sports.

Fox announced Sanchez’s dismissal shortly before confirming that Drew Brees, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback, will replace him in the broadcast booth alongside play-by-play announcer Adam Amin beginning Nov. 16. A Fox insider told the Daily Mail that the decision “had to happen” given the circumstances. Sanchez, who led the New York Jets to consecutive AFC Championship games in 2009 and 2010, joined Fox Sports in 2021. His family says his focus now is recovery, expressing gratitude for the public’s support.