Two University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) football players were hospitalized Saturday morning after being stabbed inside the program’s Football Operations Building, prompting an active investigation by campus police hours before the Blazers’ scheduled home game.
The incident occurred shortly after 10 a.m. on Nov. 22 at the athletics complex on South Sixth Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama, a university spokesperson confirmed in a call with The Epoch Times.
First responders transported two players to UAB Hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening. UAB officials said both players were listed in stable condition as of Saturday afternoon.
“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. The suspect—another player—remains in custody, and an investigation is taking place,” UAB told Epoch Times in a statement.
“UAB’s top priority remains the safety and well-being of all of our students. Given patient privacy and the ongoing investigation, we have no further comment at this time.”
The university also confirmed that a suspect is in custody and there is no ongoing threat to the campus.
“UAB Police and Public Safety is investigating an assault that took place this morning at the Football Operations Center. Injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. The suspect is in custody, and there is no threat to campus,” the official statement reads.
Hours after the stabbing, Daniel Israel Mincey, a 20-year-old redshirt freshman listed on the team roster, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault, according to county jail records. Campus police processed Mincey into custody at 12:48 p.m. Saturday.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Mincey’s arrest is connected to the stabbing at the football facility.
Mincey, a defensive lineman from Pompano Beach, Florida, transferred to UAB after spending his freshman season at the University of Kentucky.
The stabbing occurred on the same day UAB was set to host the University of South Florida at Protective Stadium. School officials said the team met to determine whether to move forward with the game.
“The team elected to play today’s game,” UAB stated. Senior Day festivities, planned separately, continued as scheduled.
News of the incident prompted concern and confusion among fans on social media.
“Not sure if UAB should be hosting a football game after 2 of their own players were stabbed at their own facility this morning,” said another user. “Kickoff against USF is scheduled in a little over an hour (2pm CT).”
UAB officials said no additional information will be released while the investigation remains active.
