A University of Alabama at Birmingham football player was arrested after allegedly stabbing two teammates on Saturday morning, hours before the team’s game against the University of South Florida. Both victims are in stable condition, and the game proceeded as scheduled despite the shocking incident.
The stabbing occurred at the UAB Football Operations Building on campus early Saturday, just before the team’s final home game of the season. According to university statements and law enforcement, the attack involved a fellow player, leading to immediate police response. Jefferson County Jail records confirm that Daniel Mincey, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder in connection with the incident.
Mincey, who transferred to UAB from the University of Kentucky in May, is listed on the team’s roster as a 6-foot-4 player from Pompano Beach, Florida. While the university has not officially confirmed his involvement due to the ongoing investigation, jail records indicate he was booked into custody on Saturday afternoon. It remains unclear if he has legal representation, and attempts to reach his family for comment were unsuccessful.
Interim head coach Alex Mortensen addressed the media after the game, confirming that the two wounded players were in stable condition and receiving medical care. He explained that the team decided to proceed with the game to honor graduating seniors, though several players understandably opted to sit out due to the trauma. Mortensen emphasized that counseling services are being made available to support all players affected by the event.
Despite the team’s effort to maintain focus, the Blazers lost to South Florida with a score of 48-18, dropping their season record to 3-8 and 1-6 in the American Conference. The game was emotionally charged, with the stabbing casting a pall over the proceedings. Mortensen declined to share further details about the incident, citing the active police investigation and the need to protect those involved.
The incident has sparked concerns about team dynamics and safety protocols within college athletic programs. UAB officials are cooperating fully with the investigation and have assured that appropriate measures are in place to assist students. The team’s final game of the season is scheduled for November 29 at Tulsa, and it remains to be seen how this event will impact player morale and performance in the coming weeks.
In a broader context, this stabbing highlights the intense pressures and potential conflicts faced by student-athletes. While such violent episodes are rare in college sports, they underscore the importance of robust mental health support and conflict resolution resources in athletic departments. The legal process for Mincey will unfold in the days ahead, and the university may review its policies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the UAB community processes this event, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured players and the well-being of the entire team. Further developments in the investigation are expected, and the incident may prompt discussions on enhancing safety and support systems for athletes nationwide.
