UAB football player Daniel Mincey is being held on a $90,000 bond after allegedly stabbing two teammates just hours before Saturday’s game against South Florida. The incident, which occurred at the Football Operations Center, has sparked a significant investigation into the actions of the young athlete. Mincey, a redshirt freshman from Pompano Beach, Florida, is facing charges of aggravated assault and attempted murder after officials confirmed that he was arrested by the UAB Campus Police just before 1 p.m. Court records obtained by The Associated Press have identified the victims as Joshua Underwood, a freshman from Fultondale, Alabama, and JaSire Peterson, a redshirt sophomore from Union City, New Jersey.
UAB officials released a statement prior to the game, confirming that two players were injured and a third was in police custody. They chose not to release the names of the students involved, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The incident has led to a careful decision-making process for the university, with athletic director Mark Ingram noting that the decision to play Saturday came after thorough consideration and conversations with the players. During a news conference on Monday, Ingram acknowledged the gravity of the incident, stating it was not an easy decision, but one that was necessary after assessing the stability of the injured players and the coach’s ability to communicate effectively with the team.
Interim head coach Alex Mortensen also addressed the media, confirming that both injured players have since been released from the hospital and are recovering. He expressed the team’s solidarity and the deep bonds among the players, stating that some members chose not to play in Saturday’s game due to the emotional impact of the incident. The team will wrap up the season against Tulsa, where Mortensen anticipates that some players might opt out again. The entire situation is a stark reminder of the potential dangers in collegiate sports and the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological well-being of athletes, especially in the wake of such tragic events.