A UAB football player, Daniel Mincey, is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing two teammates hours before a game against South Florida. The incident took place at the Football Operations Center just before Saturday’s game, leading to Mince, a redshirt freshman from Pompano Beach, Florida, being arrested and held on a $90,000 bond.
Mincey is accused of aggravated assault and attempted murder after the alleged stabbing incident. Court records obtained by The Associated Press identified the injured players as Joshua Underwood and JaSire Peterson, both defensive linemen. Underwood is a freshman from Fultondale, Alabama, and Peterson is a redshirt sophomore from New Jersey.
The university confirmed two players were injured during the incident, though specific details were not released. UAB athletic director Mark Ingram spoke at a news conference, emphasizing that the decision to play the game was made after careful consideration and conversations with the players. The incident has led to some players opting out of games, and the team will wrap up the season against Tulsa.
Interim head coach Alex Mortensen also addressed the media, stating that the injured players have since been released from the hospital and are recovering. He acknowledged the emotional impact of the event on the team and expressed his commitment to the players. The incident has sparked significant concern about safety within the athletic program and has prompted further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
As the team prepares for the final game of the season, the focus remains on the well-being of the players and the ongoing legal proceedings against Mincey. UAB officials have not provided further details on the internal investigation into the incident, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation and the potential long-term effects on the program’s reputation and player morale.