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FOX Announces Decision On Mark Sanchez Lawsuit
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- FOX Announces Decision On Mark Sanchez Lawsuit
FOX has made a key decision in the case involving Mark Sanchez.
The 39-year-old NFL announcer was let go by FOX following his arrest in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sanchez, a former NFL quarterback who starred collegiately at USC, was arrested following a physical altercation with a truck driver. A lawsuit has since been filed against Sanchez and FOX Sports by the victim.
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Earlier this month, Fox Corporation made a big decision on the lawsuit, attempting to move it to federal court.
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans former quarterbacks Mark Sanchez (left) and Matt Leinart watch from the sidelines during the Pac-12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Spears of WISH TV first reported the news.
"In a Dec. 22 filing, Fox Corporation points out 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," he reported.
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"Sanchez, 38, is a California resident, and Fox is a Delaware corporation, with its principal place of business in New York."
Details emerging on lawsuit decision
Sanchez was accused of attacking and beating 69-year-old delivery driver Perry Tole.
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio had more details on the lawsuit decision.
"Removal requires no permission. It happens with the filing of a formal notice. The plaintiff must then file a motion to remand the case to state court, arguing (as Tole's lawyers undoubtedly will) that the "fraudulent joinder" theory is, well, fraudulent. To keep the case in federal court, Fox will have to show that Tole has no possibility of prevailing against Huse Culinary, under the theory that Sanchez was served alcohol at a time when it knew or should have known he was impaired," he reported.
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"It is a very high burden. Showing the case is weak won't be enough. Fox must show that Tole has no chance of imposing liability on Huse Culinary."
The case will be fascinating to follow.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
