Mark Sanchez's family releases statement in wake of firing from Fox Sports as NFL analyst

Mark Sanchez's family has released a statement in the wake of his firing from Fox Sports as an NFL analyst.

“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., without elaborating on the friend involved. "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.”

The 38-year-old former NFL quarterback was arrested in Indianapolis in the wake of an incident while he was in town to announce the Colts' Oct. 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sanchez got into an altercation with 69-year-old Perry Tole, a driver collecting used cooking oil from the downtown Westin hotel. The situation escalated and both men suffered serious injuries. Sanchez was stabbed.

Sanchez is facing a level 5 felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury charge and three misdemeanor charges: battery resulting in injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.

Purdue legend Drew Brees has filled Fox's opening as a game analyst.

Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Mark Sanchez's family statement after firing from Fox Sports as NFL analyst