Hours before UAB’s Senior Day kickoff, the Blazer football program encountered a crisis. Two players were stabbed inside the university’s Football Operations facility early Saturday morning, and a teammate was taken into custody, according to UAB officials.
The incident sent both injured players to UAB Hospital for treatment, Birmingham Fire and Rescue confirmed, and the university later told ESPN that the athletes were stabbed and remained in stable condition.
Campus police arrested 20-year-old redshirt freshman Daniel Israel Mincey, who was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on charges of aggravated assault and attempted murder. No names of the injured players have been released due to the ongoing investigation.
Interim head coach Alex Mortensen opened his post-game remarks by acknowledging that the team walked onto the field with “heavy hearts.”
He told reporters he felt the team’s first concern was not football or a season record — but each other.
“More than anything, I’m grateful that those two players are in stable condition and we will make sure that they have the support that they need,” Mortensen said during his official press conference.
Earlier in the day, according to UAB athletic officials, coaches and university leaders considered whether the game should be played at all. After learning both hospitalized players were stable, the choice was left to the team.
“The team as a whole decided they wanted to play today.” He added that some players chose not to participate, and those decisions were respected. “We certainly respect that decision,” he said.
Mortensen asked the public to extend empathy beyond their performance during the game.
“I hope you will join me in lifting them and their families in your thoughts and prayers,” he told reporters, urging compassion over speculation.
He also pressed for privacy for the injured players, citing both personal and legal reasons. “I also ask that you will please respect their privacy… due to privacy concerns and the ongoing nature of the police investigation,” he said. Mortensen explained that he would not provide further details about the incident or those involved.
Despite the pain surrounding the team, he expressed gratitude for their resilience, especially on a day meant to honor seniors competing in their final home game.
“It’s a testament to our team’s dedication to each other and to UAB,” he said quietly, pausing before exiting the podium.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected]
