Blazers players hurt in attempted murder by teammate with knife
Incident on campus
A violent confrontation inside UAB’s Football Operations Building early Saturday sent two players to the hospital and set off a wave of confusion across campus. According to a university statement cited by the CNN Sports, a member of the football team allegedly stabbed two teammates shortly after sunrise, prompting an immediate response from campus police and athletic staff.
People familiar with the situation said the building, typically active on game mornings with meetings, treatment sessions, and pregame preparation, was quickly shut down while officers searched for the suspect and secured the area. The violence was particularly disruptive because senior day, a milestone event for graduating players, was scheduled for that afternoon.
Condition of the injured players
Interim head coach Alex Mortensen told reporters after the game that both injured teammates were receiving medical care and were expected to recover. Mortensen said the team spent part of the morning discussing whether they should still take the field, and he acknowledged that several players chose to sit out because of the emotional toll of the incident.
Counseling and support staff were made available throughout the day, a practice Mortensen described as standard for major off field disturbances.
Read also: Real Madrid ‘map out’ major transfer plan as Vinicius Jr halts renewal talks
Arrest and investigation
According to CNN review of Jefferson County Jail records, offensive lineman Daniel Mincey was arrested later in the day on charges of aggravated assault and attempted murder. CNN noted that attempts to reach Mincey’s relatives were unsuccessful, and it remained unclear whether he had secured legal representation. UAB officials, citing the ongoing police investigation, declined to confirm whether Mincey was the player involved in the stabbings.
Jail records listed Mincey as a redshirt freshman from Pompano Beach, Florida, who transferred to UAB in May after beginning his collegiate career at the University of Kentucky. The Associated Press reported that he appeared to be the only player taken into custody on Saturday.
Campus police have released few additional details. Investigators have not said what may have led to the confrontation or whether other students witnessed the encounter.
Team response and game result
Once the decision to play was made, coaches encouraged players to follow their normal routines in hopes of establishing some sense of stability. Athletic department staff also coordinated with campus security to ensure that game operations at Protective Stadium could proceed safely.
Read also: Young pitchers push limits as UCL injuries rise across US baseball
The Blazers ultimately lost 48,18 to South Florida, leaving them with a 3,8 overall record and one remaining game on the schedule, a November 29 trip to Tulsa. Mortensen said the circumstances surrounding the incident made it one of the most difficult game days he has experienced, but he emphasized that the team wanted to honor its seniors.
Broader context
Violent incidents involving players are rare in Division I football, and when they occur, universities typically collaborate closely with campus police, mental health staff, and conference officials. UAB athletics has undergone significant transitions in recent seasons, including staff turnover and roster rebuilding, which added to the sense of instability on Saturday.
The Football Operations Building, a central hub for training, meetings, and administrative coordination, is normally a controlled and routine environment, making the disturbance all the more jarring for those on site.
Read also: Leafs try to regroup on quiet monday in Toronto
Read also: Former Canadian Olympian faces expanded U,S, charges in long running drug case
