Two UAB football players hospitalized and teammate detained, school says

Two University of Alabama at Birmingham football players were injured in an “incident” involving a third player Saturday morning, the school said.

The third student, described by UAB as a “suspect,” is in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities described the incident as a stabbing.

“We’re grateful to report that two players injured in an incident this morning at the Football Operations Building are in stable condition,” university spokesperson Alicia Rohan said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with them and their families as they recover.”

Rohan did not release the names of the players involved.

UAB player Daniel Israel Mincey was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on Saturday afternoon on aggravated assault and attempted murder charges, county records show.

Authorities have not said whether his arrest is connected to the stabbings.

“Given patient privacy and the ongoing investigation, we have no further comment at this time,” she said.

Birmingham Fire Rescue Chief Cory Moon confirmed that his department responded to a stabbing on Saturday morning and that two patients were transported to the hospital. He did not disclose any other information.

Rohan said that the university’s football team, the UAB Blazers, decided to proceed with Saturday’s game against the University of South Florida Bulls. The Blazers ultimately lost.

In a post-game conference, interim head coach Alex Mortensen said while the team collectively wanted to play, several players “understandably chose to sit out.”

“Our priority remains the health and well-being of our student athletes, and we want to make sure they have access to take advantage of the support and resources available to them,” Mortensen said. “I’m really proud of this team. The way they came together and competed today. Even with with heavy hearts, this allowed our seniors to compete in their last game at protective.”