Fox Reveals Decision Regarding Lawsuit Involving Mark Sanchez

Fox Corporation has taken a notable procedural step in the legal battle surrounding former NFL quarterback and onetime Fox Sports broadcaster Mark Sanchez, signaling that the high-profile case is far from settled.

Sanchez, 39 — a former USC standout and longtime NFL signal-caller — was terminated by Fox following his arrest in Indianapolis stemming from an alleged physical confrontation with a truck driver. The alleged victim has since filed a civil lawsuit against both Sanchez and FOX Sports, escalating the dispute beyond criminal court.

Earlier this month, Fox Corporation formally moved to transfer the case to federal court, according to court filings, a development that could significantly alter the legal trajectory. The Spun first reported the filing.

“In a Dec. 22 filing, Fox Corporation points out that Sanchez and itself are both out-of-state defendants. It goes on to claim the parent company of St. Elmo Steak House, Indiana-based Huse Culinary, was ‘fraudulently joined’ to the lawsuit with the sole intention of preventing the case from moving to federal court,” WISH-TV reporter Tim Spears wrote.

“Sanchez…is a California resident, and Fox is a Delaware corporation, with its principal place of business in New York,” Spears added.

Sanchez was accused of assaulting 69-year-old delivery driver Perry Tole during the incident. Following the arrest, Fox Sports cut ties with Sanchez, ending his role as an NFL game analyst.

In the aftermath of his dismissal, Sanchez’s family issued its first public statement addressing both his firing and his condition. “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 reported by IndyStar. “While the recent news — and its timing — is understandably disappointing, our priority remains his continued healing and recovery. Mark deeply values his time at Fox and the exceptional colleagues he’s had the privilege to work with. Those relationships are meaningful and will endure.”

Authorities say the confrontation occurred on Oct. 4 outside the downtown Westin hotel in Indianapolis. Sanchez was in the city to broadcast the following day’s NFL matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders.

According to a police affidavit, Sanchez allegedly entered Tole’s truck without permission and physically blocked and shoved the driver. Officers reported that Sanchez appeared to smell of alcohol. The confrontation escalated when Tole pepper-sprayed Sanchez and later brandished a knife, claiming self-defense.

Sanchez sustained multiple stab wounds to his upper torso and was hospitalized. Images later circulated online showing Tole with a serious facial injury and wearing a neck brace while receiving medical treatment. Authorities confirmed both men were treated for injuries.

Sanchez now faces a Level 5 felony charge of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, along with three misdemeanor counts, including battery resulting in injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. Tole has not been charged and maintains that he acted in self-defense.

The civil lawsuit filed by Tole seeks unspecified damages from both Sanchez and Fox Sports.

Sanchez was booked on Oct. 12 after his hospital release and briefly spoke to a reporter while leaving jail. He has remained silent publicly since. His attorney told the court that Sanchez was still recovering and could not attend a preliminary hearing on Oct. 22. A trial date is currently scheduled for Dec. 11 in Marion County.

Fox Sports announced Sanchez’s firing shortly before confirming that former New Orleans Saints quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees would take over his analyst role. Brees made his debut during the network’s Week 11 coverage on Nov. 16, working alongside play-by-play announcer Adam Amin — who previously partnered with Sanchez.

As Fox pushes to move the case into federal court, the legal fallout from the incident continues to grow, raising broader questions about liability, workplace conduct, and corporate exposure.