Former NFL Star Steve Smith Sr. Sued Over Alleged Affair Under ‘Homewrecker’ Law

Former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., known for his years with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, is facing a lawsuit filed by a man who accuses him of having an affair with his wife.

According to the New York Post, Anthony Martinez has taken legal action against Smith in Mecklenburg County Superior Court, seeking more than $100,000 in damages.

The suit invokes North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” statute, often called the “homewrecker law,” which permits a spouse to sue a third party they believe played a role in the breakdown of their marriage. Martinez contends that his marriage was stable and filled with genuine affection until Smith allegedly became involved with his wife, Nicole.

The controversy first surfaced publicly in February, when Martinez posted screenshots on social media allegedly showing explicit messages exchanged between Smith and Nicole. The screenshots, reportedly sourced from Martinez’s now-deleted X (formerly Twitter) account, quickly spread online, intensifying public attention.

In addition to the screenshots, an audio recording of a heated phone call between Martinez and a man believed to be Smith also emerged. In the recording, Martinez confronts the former NFL star, accusing him of having a sexual relationship with his wife. The man, reportedly sounding like Smith, is heard apologizing before going silent as Martinez continued to demand accountability.

The lawsuit claims that Smith and Nicole first met when Smith visited her workplace alongside the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band to film an episode of The NFL’s Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith in September.

The situation has since sparked broader conversation among sports personalities. On their Night Cap podcast, former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson discussed the allegations. Both emphasized that blame should be directed primarily at Martinez’s spouse rather than Smith.

“You never confront the individual because Steve Smith owes you no loyalty,” Johnson said, with Sharpe agreeing. “You talk to your wife, you check your wife… Understand who you’re marrying. Human nature is undefeated.”

Sharpe, who hosts the Club Shay Shay podcast, also spoke highly of Smith’s character, recalling their friendship and recent meeting during Super Bowl festivities. “I’ve known Smitty for 20 years. I love the guy. Hard-nosed, the way he plays, X, Y, and Z. But bro, you need to take that up with your wife. Smitty owes you no loyalty,” he said.