NFL Shockwaves: Steve Smith Sr. Hit with $100K Lawsuit Over Explosive Affair Allegations Involving Married Woman from Ravens Marching Band
In a development sending shockwaves through both the sports and legal communities, former NFL star and current NFL Network analyst Steve Smith Sr. is facing a $100,000 lawsuit stemming from an alleged affair with a married woman. The suit, filed earlier this week in Mecklenburg County Superior Court, cites North Carolina’s rarely used but still active “alienation of affection” statute — often referred to as the “homewrecker law.”
The plaintiff, Tony Martinez, publicly accused Smith in February after releasing phone recordings and explicit text message exchanges reportedly between Smith and Martinez’s wife. In the call, Smith can be heard apologizing to Martinez, acknowledging the affair. Screenshots of sexually explicit messages further fueled the scandal, drawing widespread attention online.
According to court documents first reported by The Charlotte Observer, the affair allegedly began during Smith’s work on a segment with the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band last season — part of his duties with NFL Network. Martinez’s wife, whose identity remains confidential in the legal filing, was a member of that band and allegedly developed a romantic relationship with Smith during the production period.
The lawsuit asserts that Steve Smith’s actions were deliberate and resulted in the breakdown of what was once a loving and committed marriage. Martinez claims that before the affair, there was genuine affection and a stable home life, which was destroyed by Smith’s involvement. Under North Carolina law, Martinez does not need to prove the sexual relationship itself, only that a third party’s actions led to the deterioration of love and affection in the marriage.
North Carolina is one of only a handful of states that allows such legal action. The “alienation of affection” law provides a legal avenue for a spouse to sue a third party for intentionally damaging a marital relationship.
Steve Smith, 45, is widely respected in the football world. A five-time Pro Bowler, he spent 16 seasons in the NFL — 13 with the Carolina Panthers and three with the Baltimore Ravens — before transitioning into broadcasting. Known for his intensity on the field and sharp analysis on camera, Smith has remained a prominent figure in the league. He has been married for over two decades and has four children.
As of now, Smith has not made a public statement regarding the lawsuit. He remains employed by NFL Network and has continued his broadcast duties without comment on the matter. Legal analysts suggest the case could hinge on whether Martinez can convincingly demonstrate that Smith’s actions directly led to the collapse of his marriage.
This case could set a new precedent in the modern application of North Carolina’s unique legal code and raise broader ethical questions about personal conduct and public accountability — particularly for high-profile figures like Smith.
The legal battle is only just beginning, but its potential fallout — both professionally and personally — may reverberate far beyond the courtroom.
