Steve Smith Sr., the fiery former NFL wide receiver known for his time with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, is now at the center of a legal firestorm—this time off the field. Smith Sr. is being sued in North Carolina under the state’s controversial “homewrecker” law, formally known as alienation of affection, after a man accused the ex-NFL star of having an affair with his wife, a member of the Baltimore Ravens marching band.
The plaintiff, Antonio Martinez, filed the lawsuit earlier this year, seeking over \$100,000 in damages. According to court documents and public statements, Martinez alleges that Smith Sr. engaged in a prolonged extramarital affair with his wife, which ultimately led to the breakdown of their marriage. The relationship reportedly took place while Smith was still working as an analyst with NFL Network, well after his retirement from professional football.
Martinez claims he discovered the affair after uncovering text messages between his wife and Smith Sr., which he says show an ongoing emotional and physical relationship. Alongside the texts, Martinez released an audio recording of a heated phone call in which he directly confronted Smith about the alleged affair. In the recording, voices believed to be those of Martinez and Smith can be heard arguing about the nature of the relationship and its impact on Martinez’s family.
The suit accuses Smith Sr. of three key legal claims: alienation of affection, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. North Carolina is one of only a few states that still allow individuals to sue third parties for allegedly destroying a marriage.
“These types of cases are rare but can be incredibly emotional and impactful,” said a legal expert familiar with civil torts in North Carolina. “If the plaintiff can prove that Smith intentionally interfered with the marriage, he may be held financially responsible under the alienation of affection statute.”
Smith Sr. has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit, and his legal team has not released a formal response. NFL Network, where Smith currently works as an analyst, has also not issued a statement regarding the situation.
The lawsuit has caused a stir among fans and sports media, not only due to Smith’s high profile but also because of the unusual nature of the claim. Known for his toughness, intensity, and outspoken demeanor on the field, Smith now faces scrutiny of a different kind—one that could tarnish his post-playing career if the allegations are proven true.
As the legal proceedings move forward, many will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and whether more details emerge about the alleged affair and its fallout. Until then, Steve Smith Sr. finds himself in the spotlight once again—but this time, for all the wrong reasons.
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