After Shannon Sharpe, former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., is under major fire.
A lawsuit has been filed against him, alleging that he had a months-long affair with Nicole Martinez. She is a married member of the Baltimore Ravens marching band.
The emotional toll of this situation has led Nicole’s husband, Antonio Martinez, to seek over $100,000 in damages under North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law, also known as the “homewrecker law.”
Antonio is a former cop in the Texas Police Department.
However, this law allows spouses to sue third parties whom they believe have meddled in their marriage. Only a few states in the U.S. recognize such claims.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Former NFL WR Steve Smith Sr. is being sued for over $100 THOUSAND over an alleged affair with a Ravens marching band member.
Martinez has accused Smith of engaging in a months-long affair with his wife, Nicole, while filming an episode of “The NFL’s Most… pic.twitter.com/usK46qUuCz
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 2, 2025
The drama started when allegations about Smith’s relationship with Nicole surfaced in February. Antonio discovered messages that appeared to be exchanged between Smith and his wife.
In a confrontation video, he reportedly told Smith, “You’ve been f***ing my wife, bro,” to which Smith responded with an apology.
Also Read: Antonio Brown Put ESPN On Blast For Their Coverage Of Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Allegations
While there has not been an official statement from Steve Smith Sr., the filed lawsuit reveals telling details.
The affair allegedly began after Nicole and Smith met during a Ravens event when he was filming a segment for ‘The NFL’s Most Interesting Jobs.’
JUST IN: Tony Martinez Drops More Receipts Exposing NFL Star Steve Smith Sr. in Affair With His Wife 👀🍿🍿 https://t.co/37Ujjgk4Ef pic.twitter.com/fCjANIP2zV
— MAGAgeddon (@MAGAgeddon) February 22, 2025
They exchanged contact information, which led to months of texting, sharing personal stories, and even discussing intimate fantasies. Things escalated in January when Nicole visited Smith’s hotel room during a Ravens playoff game.
However, in order for Antonio to make his case in court, he needs to show that genuine love existed in his marriage before Smith’s involvement.
The lawsuit includes claims not only of alienation of affection but also emotional distress, and he is asking for punitive damages and attorney’s fees as part of the legal proceedings.