Two football players from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have been released from the hospital after allegedly being stabbed by a teammate just hours before a scheduled game. The players, identified as defensive linemen Josh Underwood, a freshman, and JaSire Peterson, a redshirt sophomore, are reported to be recovering well following the incident.
The alleged assailant, Daniel Israel Mincey, has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder. The stabbing occurred on the morning of November 25, 2025, at the team’s practice facility, shortly before UAB was set to face South Florida in a home game at Protective Stadium.
Interim head coach Alex Mortensen provided an update on the players’ conditions during a press conference on Monday. He expressed relief that both players have left the hospital and thanked the community for their support. “I’ve had the opportunity to sit with our injured players and their families, and they are okay with me telling you that they have left the hospital and are recovering. They appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers,” Mortensen stated.
The UAB Police and Public Safety department is conducting an investigation into the incident. A statement from the university confirmed the stability of the injured players: “We’re grateful to report that two players injured in an incident this morning at the Football Operations Building are in stable condition. Our thoughts are with them and their families as they recover.”
Mincey, a 6-foot-3, 315-pound lineman who transferred to UAB after redshirting his freshman year at the University of Kentucky, was taken into custody following the incident. His mugshot, released the day after the stabbing, has drawn significant public attention. The university indicated that due to patient privacy and the ongoing investigation, further comments would not be made at this time.
Despite the distressing circumstances, the UAB Blazers proceeded with their scheduled game against South Florida. The team ultimately suffered a 48-18 defeat, but Mortensen noted the resilience of the players who chose to participate. “The team as a whole decided that they wanted to play today. But we did have several players who understandably chose to sit out – and we certainly respect that decision,” he remarked.
In light of the incident, Mortensen emphasized the importance of supporting the injured players and respecting their privacy. “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. 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.”
As the investigation continues, the UAB community remains focused on the well-being of the injured players and the impact this incident will have on the team moving forward.
