Trump Reacts to Mark Sanchez Stabbing: ‘Something a Little Crazy Happened’
President Donald Trump weighed in Monday night on the bizarre stabbing and arrest of former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez, calling the situation “a little crazy” and expressing surprise that someone he’s met personally could find himself in such a mess.
“He’s a nice guy. I don’t know what happened. Something bad happened. Something a little crazy happened,” Trump said during a phone interview on Greg Kelly Reports on Newsmax. “I can only report that he was a nice guy. I know him a little bit.”
The former president’s comments came just two days after Sanchez, now 38 and working as a Fox Sports analyst, was stabbed in the chest during a late-night altercation with a grease truck driver in downtown Indianapolis. The driver reportedly acted in self-defense after Sanchez allegedly assaulted him without provocation.
From Quarterback to Felony Charges
Sanchez, best known for leading the New York Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games early in his career, was hit with multiple charges following the incident, including battery resulting in injury. One of those charges was upgraded to a felony on Monday. If convicted, Sanchez faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Authorities say Sanchez acted erratically outside a bar after midnight, accusing the truck driver of blocking an alley. Witnesses reported that the former quarterback appeared to be intoxicated and even did wind sprints in the alley shortly before the altercation.
Trump, who has previously been photographed with Sanchez during NFL-related events in the 2010s, seemed genuinely puzzled by the news. “He was always polite. I’ve seen him at some things,” the president said. “Just can’t believe it.”
Trump Slams NFL Over Halftime Show, Kickoff Rule
During the same interview, Trump pivoted to blast the NFL’s latest moves, calling the selection of Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show “absolutely ridiculous.”
“I’ve never heard of him. I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it,” Trump said. “It’s like crazy. And then they blame it on some promoter that they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous!”
Trump, a longtime football enthusiast and former owner of the USFL’s New Jersey Generals, also took aim at recent changes to the league’s kickoff rules, which are designed to reduce injury but have sparked criticism from traditional fans.
“While we’re at it, I’d like them to change the kickoff rule, which looks ridiculous,” Trump said. “The ball is floating in the air and everyone’s standing there watching it. It’s ridiculous!”
He added, “It’s not any safer than the regular kickoff. It just looks terrible. I think it really demeans football, to be honest with you.”
Trump: Football Should Be Tough Again
Trump’s comments reflect a broader frustration among many football fans who believe the sport has become too soft and politicized. His remarks on Sanchez also reflect a mix of concern and confusion over a public figure he once crossed paths with now facing criminal charges.
Whether Sanchez will be convicted remains to be seen. For now, Trump is calling it like he sees it: “Something a little crazy happened.”