A Maryland man’s lawsuit claims Smith engaged in an affair with his wife, which led to the breakdown of their marriage.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Carolina Panthers legend Steve Smith Sr. is facing a lawsuit for allegedly violating a “homewrecker law” for an affair with a Maryland woman.Β
Antonio Martinez filed a lawsuit against Smith in Mecklenburg County, alleging alienation of affection and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Martinez is seeking $100,000, claiming Smith’s affair with his wife led to the breakdown of his marriage. An alienation of affection law is a legal claim that allows a married person to sue a third party for interfering with their marriage. The law is recognized in a few states, including North Carolina.Β
Martinez and his wife, Nicole Martinez, got married in September 2021 and have one child together. According to the complaint, the affair began last September when Smith met Mrs. Martinez during the filming of an NFL Network show in Baltimore. Smith allegedly gave his phone number to Martinez, which led the the pair exchanging messages and explicit photos. Martinez is a former member of the Baltimore Ravens marching band.Β
Antonio Martinez claims the affair continued until February, when he discovered the messages and confronted his wife. That incident went viral, with Martinez posting screenshots on social media. The complaint also includes a recorded phone call in which Antonio Martinez confronted Smith, who apologized but didn’t provide any further explanation.Β
The lawsuit details numerous exchanges between Nicole Martinez and Smith, including plans for the pair to meet. Antonio Martinez says the affair caused emotional distress, exacerbated his PTSD and led to depression and anxiety.Β
Smith, who retired from the NFL in January 2017, hasn’t responded to the allegations.Β
For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.
