The fallout from former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez’s violent altercation in Indianapolis took a personal turn Sunday when his ex-partner and mother of his 8-year-old son publicly addressed the stabbing and subsequent arrest, calling the ordeal “not surprising.” Model Erin Campaneris, known professionally as Bobby T, shared a candid Instagram Story statement hours after Sanchez was booked into Marion County Jail, emphasizing her focus on protecting their child amid the “serious criminal charges.” The UK-born beauty, who shares son Daniel with the 38-year-old Fox Sports analyst, offered a glimpse into their complicated co-parenting dynamic, while Sanchez faces a felony battery charge that could land him up to six years behind bars if convicted.

Campaneris’ message, posted to her 150,000 Instagram followers, read: “I am aware of the serious criminal charges currently facing my son’s father, Mark Sanchez. Sadly, none of this is surprising to me.” She continued, acknowledging the media storm while prioritizing her family’s well-being: “At the end of the day, I’m simply a mama to a very sweet young boy doing my best to protect his peace. Thank you for the compassion so many have shown toward Daniel and me.” The post, which vanished after 24 hours per Stories’ ephemeral nature, was screenshotted and shared widely on X and TMZ, sparking a wave of speculation about the behind-the-scenes tensions in their relationship. Campaneris, a Northern Irish model who’s graced runways for brands like ASOS and featured in campaigns for L’Oréal, has largely kept a low profile since welcoming Daniel in 2017, focusing on motherhood and occasional influencer gigs.

The statement came on the heels of Sanchez’s release from Eskenazi Health Hospital on October 12, where he’d been treated for multiple stab wounds to the torso sustained during a late-night brawl on October 4. According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by CBS News, the incident erupted in an alley behind the Conrad Indianapolis hotel around 11:45 p.m. Sanchez, allegedly intoxicated and fresh from a Fox pregame broadcast, confronted 69-year-old delivery truck driver Perry Tole over parking in a loading dock. Witnesses and security footage showed Sanchez approaching Tole’s grease truck, demanding he move, which escalated into a physical scuffle. Tole, a veteran driver for a local catering firm, claimed Sanchez grabbed him and slammed him against a dumpster, prompting Tole to fear for his life and pull a knife in self-defense. “This guy is trying to kill me,” Tole told investigators, stabbing Sanchez several times as he advanced again. Sanchez suffered “serious bodily injury,” including a collapsed lung and lacerations requiring surgery, while Tole ended up with a severe facial gash penetrating his cheek. Both men were hospitalized—Tole with “permanent scarring” per his attorney—and Sanchez was arrested at his bedside on October 5 for misdemeanor battery, public intoxication, and unlawful entry into a vehicle.

Prosecutors upgraded the charges Sunday to a Level 5 felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury—carrying 1-6 years in prison if convicted—alongside the misdemeanors. Marion County DA Ryan Mears called the fight “completely unnecessary,” noting Sanchez’s alleged aggression initiated the violence. Tole, now suing Sanchez and Fox Sports for damages exceeding $1 million, described the encounter as a “nightmare” in a hospital-bed interview with WISH-TV: “I just wanted to do my job.” Sanchez’s attorney, David Hennessy, fired back in a statement: “Mark was the victim of an unprovoked attack and is cooperating fully. We’re confident the facts will exonerate him.” Upon release, Sanchez addressed cameras briefly: “I’m focused on recovery… I just want to see my wife, my son, my two baby girls,” referencing his 2023 marriage to actress Perry Mattfield and their twin daughters born in 2024.

Sanchez’s fall from grace has stunned the sports world. The USC alum and 2009 Jets first-round pick (No. 5 overall) parlayed a rollercoaster NFL career—marked by a 2011 playoff “butt fumble” infamy and stints with the Eagles, Cowboys, and Bears—into a successful broadcasting gig at Fox since 2018. He’s called NFC games alongside Kevin Burkhardt, earning praise for his quarterback insights. But the arrest forced Fox to scramble: Mark Schlereth subbed for Seahawks-Jaguars on October 12, and Brady Quinn filled in for the prior week’s slate. Network reps offered a terse “no comment on ongoing matters,” but insiders whisper Sanchez’s booth seat hangs by a thread pending resolution.

Campaneris’ measured response hints at deeper history. The pair dated briefly around 2016-2017, welcoming Daniel amid Sanchez’s Eagles tenure. They’ve co-parented amicably since, with Campaneris posting sweet father-son pics on holidays, but her “none of this is surprising” line has fueled armchair analysis. On X, #SanchezArrest trended with 200K mentions, users speculating on off-camera tensions: “Baby mama spilling tea—Mark’s always been a hothead?” one viral thread read. TMZ reports no prior domestic issues on record, but Campaneris’ focus on “protecting his peace” echoes concerns for Daniel, who’s navigated his dad’s high-profile splits (including with actress Bella Thorne in 2017).

The incident’s ripple effects extend beyond family. Tole, a grandfather of five and 30-year trucking vet, underwent facial reconstruction surgery and filed his civil suit Monday, alleging negligence by Sanchez and Fox for “failing to supervise” their analyst post-broadcast. “Mr. Tole did what he had to survive,” his lawyer, Michael Lewinski, told reporters. Sanchez’s camp counters that Tole’s “overreaction” escalated a minor dispute, pointing to Sanchez’s clean record—no prior arrests—and his role as a “devoted father.” Public intoxication charges stem from a .15 BAC reading at the hospital, per affidavits.

Social media’s ablaze with divided takes. NFL Twitter memes the “Butt Fumble 2.0” with stabbing emojis, while supporters rally: “Mark’s a good dude—drunk mistake, not monster.” Reddit’s r/nfl dissected the affidavit, with 5K upvotes on a post questioning DA overreach. Campaneris’ statement drew empathy waves: “Props to her for grace—kids first,” a top comment read. As arraignment looms November 15, Sanchez eyes house arrest with an ankle monitor, per bail conditions.

This saga caps a turbulent year for Sanchez: Fox contract renewal in March, twins’ birth in June, and now infamy redux. For Campaneris, it’s a shield for Daniel amid the glare. As she put it, peace for the “sweet young boy” trumps the headlines. Will justice—or redemption—follow? The alley fight’s echoes linger, a stark reminder that even gridiron heroes stumble.