• Steve Smith Sr. is being sued for allegedly having an affair with a member of the Baltimore Ravens marching band.
• The lawsuit is based on North Carolina's 'alienation of affection' law, also known as the 'homewrecker law'.
• The plaintiff, Antonio Martinez, seeks over $100,000 in damages and must prove genuine affection existed in his marriage before the alleged affair.

Former NFL star Steve Smith Sr. is facing a lawsuit filed by Antonio Martinez, the husband of a Baltimore Ravens marching band member, accusing Smith of engaging in a months-long affair with his wife, Nicole. The lawsuit, filed in North Carolina's Mecklenburg County Superior Court, is based on the state's 'alienation of affection' law, which allows a spouse to sue a third party for interfering with and destroying a marriage's love and affection. The allegations came to light after explicit messages between Smith and Mrs. Martinez were leaked on social media. Martinez is seeking over $100,000 in damages.

• What: Steve Smith Sr. is being sued under North Carolina's 'alienation of affection' law for allegedly having an affair with Nicole Martinez, the wife of Antonio Martinez.
• Who: Key individuals involved are Steve Smith Sr. (defendant), Antonio Martinez (plaintiff), and Nicole Martinez (the spouse involved in the alleged affair).
• When: The alleged affair occurred over several months, with the lawsuit being filed in May 2025. The initial allegations surfaced in February 2025.
• Where: The lawsuit was filed in Mecklenburg County Superior Court in North Carolina. The alleged affair reportedly involved meetings in Baltimore, where Mrs. Martinez worked with the Ravens marching band and where Smith was present for a playoff game.

The lawsuit against Steve Smith Sr. highlights the continued existence of 'alienation of affection' laws in a few states, including North Carolina. To succeed, Antonio Martinez must demonstrate that genuine love and affection existed within his marriage before the alleged affair. The case draws attention to the intersection of personal relationships, legal frameworks, and public scrutiny, especially given Smith's high profile as a former NFL player and current media personality. The opinions of Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson add another layer to the analysis, questioning the focus of blame in such situations.

"You’ve been f–king my wife, bro. Whatcha gotta say for yourself?"

"I’m sorry."

"You never confront the individual because Steve Smith owes you no loyalty. You talk to your wife, you check your wife… Understand who you’re marrying. Human nature is undefeated."

"I’ve known Smitty 20 years. He was just at my party at the Super Bowl, had a great conversation with him. 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."

Steve Smith Sr. is embroiled in a legal battle under North Carolina's "alienation of affection" law, a rarely invoked statute, due to allegations of an affair with Nicole Martinez, a member of the Baltimore Ravens' marching band, potentially leading to the demise of Antonio Martinez's marriage. The case hinges on proving the existence of genuine affection within the Martinez marriage before the alleged affair and establishing a direct causal link between Smith's actions and the destruction of that affection. Evidence, including explicit messages, a recorded phone call where Smith apologized, and social media posts, suggests a complex narrative, while Smith's silence adds another layer of intrigue. The public nature of the accusations, amplified by social media, intensifies scrutiny and could tarnish Smith's revered reputation, particularly among Carolina Panthers fans. The lawsuit not only highlights the intricacies of "homewrecker laws" in modern society but also raises questions about legacy, accountability, and the impact of social media on legal proceedings and public perception, as the case navigates the intersection of legal standards, personal conduct, and the court of public opinion.