Perry Tole, the 69-year-old man involved in the altercation with former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez, has spoken publicly for the first time since the incident, saying he acted purely in self-defense.
Tole told police that “faith guided his hands” when he stabbed the former New York Jets quarterback, describing the confrontation as an act of survival.
According to reports, Tole was driving a cooking oil recycling truck on his regular route in Indianapolis and had parked in an alley between the Westin and Marriott hotels when he first encountered Sanchez.
At the time, Sanchez was in Indianapolis preparing to call the Colts vs. Raiders game for Fox Sports. Following the incident, he was replaced by former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.
Tole’s longtime friend Gregg Keesling told Fox 59 that Perry is a calm, faith-driven man who had never been in a fight before.
“He’s a very peaceful man, and in this situation, I think faith guided him, as he told me, ‘Faith guided my hands to protect myself,’” Keesling said.
“Perry doesn’t fight. In fact, I think this is probably the first fight he’s ever been in his entire life.”
Keesling also shared that Tole suffered a deep laceration to his cheek, which has made it difficult for him to speak.
“He’s beat up pretty bad, both emotionally and physically,” Keesling said. “He needs time to heal. His son is getting married this weekend, but I don’t think he’ll be able to attend because of his injuries.”
Charges Against Mark Sanchez
Over the weekend, Sanchez was arrested at a hospital and initially charged with battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication — all misdemeanors.
Although he was the one stabbed, police determined that Sanchez was the aggressor. Surveillance footage later showed him clutching his side while walking down a sidewalk following the confrontation with Tole.
Sanchez has since been charged with Level 5 felony battery, which carries a potential one- to six-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.
In addition to the criminal case, Sanchez is now facing a civil lawsuit and could potentially lose his broadcasting role with Fox Sports as the investigation continues.
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