On Saturday morning, just hours prior to the team’s game against the University of South Florida, a football player from the University of Alabama at Birmingham allegedly stabbed two of his teammates, as stated by the university.
Interim head coach Alex Mortensen reported during the post-game press conference that both injured players were in stable condition. He mentioned that despite the unsettling incident, the team chose to compete in order to honor the graduating seniors during their final home game of the season, although understandably, some players decided to refrain from participating.
The individual suspected of the stabbing is currently in custody, according to the university. The names of the players involved have not been disclosed by the school.
Daniel Mincey, an offensive lineman who joined the team in May, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder later that afternoon, as recorded by the Jefferson County Jail. He remains in custody in Birmingham and appears to be the only UAB player arrested on Saturday.
It remains unclear whether Mincey has legal representation, and attempts to contact family members for a statement have not yet been successful.
Officials at UAB did not confirm Mincey’s involvement in the incident.
According to the team’s online roster, Mincey is a six-foot-four redshirt freshman from Pompano Beach, Florida, who previously played at the University of Kentucky.
Mortensen stated that once the decision was made to proceed with the game, the team concentrated on their usual game-day preparations. He also noted that counseling services were being offered to players who might need support.
The coach refrained from providing additional information about the incident, referencing the ongoing investigation.
The stabbing took place on campus at the Football Operations Building.
The Blazers suffered a defeat against South Florida, ending the game with a score of 48-18, which brought their season record to 3-8 and 1-6 in the American Conference.