A football player from the University of Alabama at Birmingham allegedly stabbed two teammates on Saturday morning ahead of their scheduled game against the University of South Florida, as per an official university announcement.

Interim head coach Alex Mortensen informed reporters during the post-game press briefing that the injured players were in stable condition. Despite the incident, the team chose to proceed with the game as a tribute to the departing seniors in their final home match of the season. However, a few players opted out of the game following the altercation.

The university indicated that the suspected assailant was apprehended, although the identities of those involved were not disclosed. Daniel Mincey, an offensive lineman who joined the university in May, was reportedly taken into custody in the afternoon on charges of aggravated assault and attempted murder, as documented by Jefferson County Jail records. Mincey, who was the sole UAB player arrested on that day, was being held in Birmingham.

Legal representation for Mincey was not immediately known, and attempts to contact family members for comments were unsuccessful.

University officials refrained from confirming Mincey’s alleged involvement, as per reports. Mincey, a redshirt freshman hailing from Pompano Beach, Florida, and formerly associated with the University of Kentucky, is listed on the team’s online roster as a six-foot-four player.

Mortensen mentioned that the team, after opting to proceed with the game, maintained its regular pre-game routines. Additionally, counseling services were being offered to players seeking support.

The coach declined to elaborate further on the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.

The stabbing incident took place at the Football Operations Building on the campus.

Following the events, the Blazers suffered a 48-18 defeat against South Florida, bringing their season record to 3-8 overall and 1-6 in the American Conference.