- Anthony Martinez is suing Ex-NFL Star Steve Smith for allegedly having an affair with his wife under North Carolina’s “homewrecker law.”
- Martinez claims the affair began after Ex-NFL Star Steve met his wife while filming a TV show with the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band.
- Sports figures like Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson defend Smith, arguing Martinez should focus on his wife, not Ex-NFL Star Steve Smith.
Steve Smith Sr., a former NFL wide receiver and current sports analyst, is being sued in North Carolina. Anthony Martinez claims Ex-NFL Star Steve had a months-long affair with his wife, Nicole. Martinez filed a civil lawsuit in Mecklenburg County Superior Court. He is demanding over $100,000 in damages. This case adds a dramatic chapter to Smith’s post-NFL life and puts him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
North Carolina’s Unique “Homewrecker Law” Allows the Lawsuit to Move Forward
Martinez is using a rare legal option known as the “homewrecker law.” Officially called “alienation of affection,” this law allows a spouse to sue a third party who interfered with their marriage. North Carolina is one of only six states in the U.S. that still allows this kind of lawsuit. Martinez must prove that his marriage had real love and affection before the alleged affair. He also needs to show that Smith’s actions caused the relationship to fall apart. This law focuses on emotional damage, not just physical cheating.
Online Screenshots Allegedly Show Flirty Messages Between Smith and Nicole Martinez
In February, screenshots of private messages between Smith and Nicole appeared on social media. The posts came from an account under Anthony Martinez’s name. The messages were shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. However, the posts were deleted soon after. Even though they are no longer online, the messages sparked public interest and led to media coverage. These screenshots form a key part of the evidence in Martinez’s lawsuit.
Martinez Claims He Personally Confronted Smith About the Alleged Affair
After seeing the messages, Martinez called Smith directly. The lawsuit includes a quote from that phone call. “You’ve been f–king my wife, bro,” Martinez allegedly told Smith. Ex-NFL Star Steve reportedly replied with a simple, “I’m sorry.” This direct confrontation is now part of the official court documents. Martinez believes the apology confirms what happened between Smith and Nicole.
Smith Met Nicole While Filming a TV Show With the Ravens Marching Band
According to the lawsuit, Smith met Nicole at her workplace. She worked with the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band. In September, Ex-NFL Star Steve joined the band briefly to film an episode of his show, The NFL’s Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith. Martinez says the two got close during that time. He believes that’s when the affair began. This connection through work forms the foundation of his claims.
Sharpe and Ochocinco Defend Smith, Say the Husband Should Blame His Wife
After the news broke, former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson gave their thoughts. They spoke out during their podcast, Nightcap, in February. Johnson said Ex-NFL Star Steve has no obligation to Martinez. “You never confront the individual because Steve Smith owes you no loyalty,” Johnson said. He added, “You talk to your wife, you check your wife. Understand who you’re marrying.” Sharpe agreed and shared his long friendship with Smith. “Bro, you need to take that up with your wife,” Sharpe said. “Smitty owes you no loyalty.”
The Public Controversy Adds Pressure on Smith’s Image and Career
This case could hurt Smith’s image as a respected NFL Network analyst. His job puts him in front of millions of viewers every week. While he hasn’t made a public comment yet, the lawsuit has already made headlines. The more the case drags on, the more pressure will build. Fans, critics, and employers will want answers. Smith’s reputation could take a serious hit if more details come out.
