Two UAB football players were injured in a stabbing Saturday morning at the university’s Football Operations Center, and a third is in custody in connection with the incident.
The stabbing happened about 10 a.m. at the Football Operations Building on Sixth Avenue South. Birmingham police and fire radio communication initially said up to three players were injured, but that number was later confirmed to be two.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service transported both players to UAB Hospital.
The UAB Police Department is leading the criminal investigation.
“We’re grateful to report that two players injured in an incident this morning at the Football Operations Building are in stable condition,” UAB said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with them and their families as they recover.
“The suspect – another player – remains in custody, and an investigation is taking place.”
Daniel Israel Mincey, a 20-year-old redshirt freshman from Pompano Beach, Fla., was booked into the Jefferson County Jail by campus police at 12:40 p.m., according to the county jail log.
Mincey is facing charges of aggravated assault and attempted murder.
He remained held without bond Saturday night. He will likely go before a judge early in the week.
The incident happened hours before the Blazers were set to play the South Florida Bulls at 2 p.m. at Protective Stadium.
University officials said the team elected to move forward with the game.
UAB head coach Alex Mortensen addressed the stabbings following Saturday’s game.
“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. “I hope you will join me in lifting them and their families in your thoughts and prayers, as our team is doing right now too.”
The injured players’ names have not been released. Mortensen said he could not discuss details about the incident or those involved.
“And I also ask that you will please respect their privacy as they deal with what happened due to privacy concerns and the ongoing nature of the police investigation,” he said.
“The team as a whole decided they wanted to play today, but we did have several players who understandably chose to sit out, and we certainly respect that decision,” he said.
“Our priority remains the health and wellbeing of our student athletes, and we want to make sure they have access to take advantage of the support resources available to them,” Mortensen said.
On the team choosing to play, the coach said they felt strongly about going on with game.
“You know, with it being senior day, they wanted to go play for them and then give them an opportunity to go out and compete and play,” Mortensen said. “So that was, that was probably the biggest thing.”
Mortensen said the university made sure everyone understood counseling was available to those who were interested.
“The university was here to help them,” he said. “I thought our administration, you know, Mark Ingram, you know, and the whole staff, really stepped up to try to support our players and help them.”
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