A University of Alabama at Birmingham football player faces attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing two teammates inside the team's on-campus facility just hours before the program's Senior Day game.

According to the New York Post, Daniel Israel Mincey, a 20-year-old redshirt freshman, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault following the Saturday morning attack on JaSire Peterson and Joshua Underwood. Court records filed Monday detail the charges stemming from the incident that occurred just after 10 a.m. at the football operations building.

Mincey was arrested hours after the stabbing and is currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham on a $90,000 bond. Officials have not disclosed any motive for the attack that shocked the UAB football program and left two players hospitalized on what should have been a celebratory Senior Day.

Attack Occurs Before Senior Day Game

The stabbing took place at the on-campus football operations building in the late morning hours before UAB was scheduled to host South Florida for its Senior Day festivities. Peterson, a redshirt freshman from Union City, New Jersey, sustained injuries serious enough to warrant an attempted murder charge against Mincey. Underwood, a freshman from Fultondale, Alabama, also suffered injuries in the attack, though Mincey was charged with the lesser offense of aggravated assault in connection with those wounds.

Both victims were transported to a local hospital following the incident and remained there through the weekend. The injuries occurred in what should have been a routine day of preparation and celebration for the football program. Instead, the attack forced school officials and team leaders to make difficult decisions about whether to proceed with the scheduled game.

Despite the traumatic morning events, UAB ultimately decided to play its Senior Day matchup against South Florida at Protective Stadium. The team proceeded only after learning that both Peterson and Underwood were in stable condition at the hospital. Some seniors elected to sit out the game following the stabbing, though the program went forward with honoring its departing players before kickoff.

Victims Released, Team Seeks Counseling

Peterson and Underwood were released from the hospital on Monday, Interim Head Coach Alex Mortensen announced at a press conference. Mortensen revealed that he spent time with both players following their release but declined to provide specific details about their medical conditions. He emphasized that the victims have requested privacy as they recover from the attack.

"They appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers," Mortensen told reporters. "What's most important to us is the well-being of our student-athletes, of our players. We are going to make sure they have every opportunity this week to get the counseling services that they need."

The coach's comments highlighted the emotional toll the incident has taken on the entire program. Beyond the physical injuries sustained by Peterson and Underwood, the attack has left psychological scars on a team that witnessed one of their own allegedly turn violent against teammates. Mortensen confirmed that counseling services would be made available to all players who need support in processing the traumatic events.

Suspect's Background and Program Response

Mincey, a redshirt freshman from Florida, transferred to UAB for the 2025 season after playing in one game for Kentucky in 2024. His brief stint with the Wildcats preceded his move to Birmingham, where he joined the Blazers program. Following his arrest, UAB removed Mincey's name from the team's official online roster, effectively severing his connection to the program.

The school's decision to scrub Mincey from its roster reflects the severity of the charges and the institution's response to the alleged attack on its students. Athletic director Mark Ingram addressed the incident publicly, calling Saturday "a very sad day for UAB football." The athletic department faced scrutiny over the decision to proceed with the game despite the morning's violence.

"We recognized the gravity of what happened Saturday morning and did very seriously consider not playing the game," Ingram stated. "That was not an easy decision." School officials ultimately determined that playing the game was appropriate after confirming the victims were stable, though the decision required careful consultation with players, coaches, and administrators.

Lessons to Learn

This tragic incident highlights several important safety and awareness lessons for students and athletes alike:

1. Violence can occur anywhere, even in trusted environments. Athletic facilities and campus spaces are often considered safe havens, but it’s essential to stay vigilant and report concerning behavior early.

2. Mental health resources matter. The university’s swift offer of counseling services is a reminder that emotional recovery should be prioritized after a traumatic event, whether one is directly involved or affected as a peer.

3. There is no guaranteed way to prevent unexpected violence. While awareness and communication can help, crime can happen to anyone, at any time. It is important to remember not to place blame on victims for the actions of others.

Why This Story Matters

This story is a grim reminder of how quickly violence can devastate a community. The incident disrupted not just a football game, but the lives of young student-athletes on and off the field. It also raises questions about conflict management within college athletic programs and how institutions respond to crises. UAB's experience underscores the importance of readiness in the face of unexpected and tragic events. Communities, especially university ones, benefit from open dialogue, safety planning, and robust mental health support to address the lasting impacts of such traumatic occurrences.

Conclusion

On Nov. 22, a violent stabbing inside UAB's football operations building led to the arrest of Daniel Israel Mincey, who now faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault. The victims, teammates JaSire Peterson and Joshua Underwood, were hospitalized and later released. The attack took place just hours before the team’s Senior Day game against South Florida, which UAB lost 48-18. Though the school contemplated canceling the game, they chose to proceed after determining that the victims were stable. The motive behind the incident remains unknown. UAB plans to end its 2025 football season with a game against Tulsa, as players and staff continue to process the traumatic events with support services in place.