Two University of Alabama at Birmingham football players have been released from the hospital after they were allegedly stabbed by a teammate before a game over the weekend.
The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 22, at the UAB Football Operations Center, just hours before the team was scheduled to face the University of South Florida, according to multiple outlets.
At a press conference on Monday afternoon, interim head coach Alex Mortensen provided an update on the situation, though he did not identify any of the people involved by name.
“On behalf of the whole team, Mark [Ingram] and I also want to recognize the staff, trainers, first responders and medical professionals who showed great professionalism throughout,” Mortensen said, noting that the program is “really grateful” for everyone who responded in the moment.
“The last thing I will say about the incident is that I’ve had the opportunity to sit with the injured players and their families,” he added.
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Mortensen told reporters that the players and their families were “okay with me telling you that they’ve left the hospital and are recovering.”
“They appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers. I continue to ask for you and everyone involved to respect their privacy as they deal with what happened. I know there are still questions about the incident, but that’s all I will say about it at this time,” he continued. “The police investigation is still ongoing, so out of respect for that and the legal process, as well as the privacy of those most affected, I’m not going to go into any greater detail of the incident or individuals involved right now.”
Daniel Mincey has been identified as the person facing attempted murder charges in connection with Peterson, as well as first-degree assault charges related to Underwood, WBRC 6 reported.
UAB went ahead with its game against South Florida on Saturday, with the Blazers losing 18–48. Several players did not suit up after learning what had happened to their teammates, WIAT CBS 42 reported.
“We recognize the gravity of what happened Saturday morning and did very seriously consider not playing the game,” UAB Athletic Director Mark Ingram said at the press conference, according to the outlet. “That was not an easy decision, but it was only after we knew the injured players were stable and after a coach was able to have a very honest and caring conversation with our team that we felt comfortable with the game going on.”
