Touchdown & TMI: Steve Smith Sr. Sued for Alleged Affair

Civil Lawsuit Claims Months-Long Affair with Ravens Band Member

Alleged DMs, Hotel Visit, and an Apology

By Nell Thomas | Strolling Ballantyne

The headlines this week are less NFL Films and more Real Housewives of Uptown Charlotte.

Steve Smith Sr., the five-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame-bound Carolina Panthers wide receiver turned NFL Network analyst, is being sued in Mecklenburg County Superior Court by Antonio Martinez, who claims Smith had a months-long affair with his wife, a member of the Baltimore Ravens marching band.

The civil suit, filed Tuesday, accuses Smith of “alienation of affection,” a North Carolina law so old-school it might as well come with a powdered wig. Only a few states still allow spouses to sue over alleged romantic interference. North Carolina is one—and it’s not shy about it.

According to court filings, Martinez alleges that Smith met his wife, Nicole, while filming a segment in Baltimore for “The NFL’s Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith.” One marching band, one exchanged phone number, and months of messages later—Martinez says his marriage was blindsided like a quarterback on a bad snap count.

The Lawsuit: DMs, Hotel Room, and a Phone Call

The suit alleges Smith and Nicole Martinez communicated frequently via text—discussing everything from family life to sexual fantasies. Martinez claims he discovered the messages in February, and after confronting Smith by phone, received a simple two-word answer:

“I’m sorry.”

Smith has not publicly responded to the allegations, and attempts to reach him via former agents, NFL Network, and his Charlotte-based foundation were unsuccessful, according to the Charlotte Observer, which first reported the story.

Martinez is seeking over $100,000 in damages, including for emotional distress, citing what he says was a genuine and loving marriage, now wrecked.

“Alienation of Affection”: Still a Thing?

Yes. In fact, North Carolina remains a national anomaly for allowing lawsuits like this one. The “homewrecker law” lets a spouse sue a third party for willfully damaging the love and affection in a marriage. It’s been controversial, defended by some as a moral deterrent, and mocked by others as outdated.

Whether Smith’s alleged actions meet the legal standard remains to be seen. But the filing is likely to generate attention not only because of Smith’s fame, but because it lands at the intersection of celebrity, marriage, and the courtroom—Charlotte’s favorite unofficial sport.

Charlotte’s Side of the Story

Smith has lived in Charlotte for over 15 years, raising a family and launching a foundation. He’s beloved by many for his gritty on-field style and post-retirement commentary. Whether this case tarnishes that legacy will depend on public opinion—and a civil court’s judgment.

In Ballantyne, the buzz is palpable. “It’s always the ones with a squeaky-clean car,” quipped one customer at At The Hop Auto Services, Torri Suriano’s detailing biz that keeps Panthers fans’ rides looking sharp even when their idols are in hot water.

And if you’re looking for an escape from scandal, perhaps it’s time to call WanderLuxuryTravel and let Djarta Halliday plan a trip to anywhere but the courtroom.

Or grab a limited-run tee from Glory Days Apparel, because this saga is pure Charlotte drama—and we may just need a “Free Steve?” shirt to go with the Sunday tailgate.

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☕ Fueled by too much espresso and just enough legal drama to make me question my journalism degree.
Nell Thomas is a senior writer for The Charlotte Mercury and contributor to Strolling Ballantyne. See more of her work at cltmercury.com.