Birmingham, AL — On the morning of Saturday, November 22, 2025, a violent altercation took place at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) football operations facility, leaving two players injured just hours before the team’s scheduled home game against South Florida. The incident has sent shockwaves through the university and its athletic community as authorities continue their investigation.
What Happened: The Stabbing Incident
Around the morning hours on Saturday, a confrontation involving members of the UAB football team escalated into a violent altercation. Two players were stabbed during the incident and were quickly rushed to a local hospital. According to reports, both victims are currently in stable condition. While the university has not publicly identified the injured players, citing privacy concerns and an ongoing investigation, their injuries were serious enough to require medical treatment.
The suspect, 19-year-old Daniel Mincey, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder. Mincey, a transfer from the University of Kentucky, is listed at 6-foot-4 and hails from Pompano Beach, Florida. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 12:40 p.m. on Saturday.
The altercation occurred just hours before UAB was scheduled to face off against the South Florida Bulls, raising significant concerns about how the team would proceed in light of the serious violence among teammates.
Team Response & Game Decision
Despite the severity of the situation, UAB’s football team made the decision to move forward with the game, which took place later that day. Interim head coach Alex Mortensen confirmed that the two injured players were stable, and the team chose to play partly in recognition of the graduating seniors. Some players, understandably shaken by the events, chose to sit out the game.
“We understand that this has been a traumatic situation for everyone, and we want to ensure that the players who are struggling receive the necessary support,” said Coach Mortensen. “The university has made counseling services available for any players in need.”
The game itself ended in a 48-18 loss for UAB, a bitter defeat for the team that was further overshadowed by the tragic events that unfolded just hours earlier.
Ongoing Investigation: What Led to the Stabbing?
As of now, the exact motive behind the stabbing remains unclear. UAB and local law enforcement are actively investigating the incident. The university emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to campus safety, and the authorities are working to determine what led to the violent confrontation among teammates.
While UAB has not publicly confirmed Daniel Mincey’s status on the football roster or his standing with the university beyond the criminal charges, the arrest has brought attention to the complexities of team dynamics, campus safety, and how incidents like this affect athletes’ mental health.
Why This Matters: The Broader Implications
The stabbing incident is a rare and serious occurrence, particularly in the context of collegiate sports, where violence between teammates is extremely uncommon. The fact that the altercation occurred just hours before a major game adds a layer of complexity, impacting not only the players involved but also the entire team. The psychological toll of the incident on players, staff, and the broader campus community is undeniable.
Moreover, this event raises critical questions about athlete conduct, team culture, and campus safety protocols in collegiate sports. Universities and athletic programs will likely face increased scrutiny about how such violent incidents are handled and what preventative measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, especially in high-pressure environments like sports teams.
Public and Community Reaction
The community, both locally and within UAB’s athletic circles, is still processing the shocking events that occurred. Many are rallying around the victims, offering support and solidarity as the investigation unfolds. The incident has sparked discussions about violence among athletes, mental health in collegiate sports, and the importance of support systems within university teams.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
