Steve Smith Sr. alleged cheating scandal takes a shocking turn over "Homewrecker" law

Steve Smith Sr., the fiery former Carolina Panthers wide receiver known for his toughness on the field, now finds himself battling a different kind of opponent — a civil lawsuit in North Carolina court.

According to a suit filed Tuesday in Mecklenburg County Superior Court, Smith is being sued for more than $100,000 by Antonio Martinez, the husband of a woman Smith allegedly had an affair with. The woman, a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band, reportedly met Smith during the filming of his NFL Network series “The NFL’s Most Interesting Jobs.” From there, the lawsuit claims, the relationship escalated through months of sexually explicit messages and culminated in a hotel meeting while Smith was in Baltimore for the Ravens’ January playoff game.

Alleged Affair Sparks Legal Firestorm

The lawsuit cites North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” statute — a rare but still-active law sometimes called the “homewrecker law.” It allows one spouse to sue a third party for allegedly undermining the emotional foundation of a marriage. Martinez claims he discovered the affair after finding messages between his wife and Smith, including a censored nude photo of the five-time Pro Bowler. He later posted those messages publicly on X (formerly Twitter), and confronted Smith in a phone call during which Smith reportedly said, “I’m sorry.”

This law requires proof that genuine love and affection existed in the marriage before the alleged interference — a burden of proof Martinez is prepared to pursue in court.

Reputation, Legacy, and Fallout

Smith, 45, is one of the most revered figures in Panthers history, retiring with 14,731 career receiving yards — good for 8th all-time in the NFL. Post-retirement, he reinvented himself as a respected analyst and media personality. The lawsuit could tarnish that reputation, especially among the Carolina faithful who still view him as a franchise cornerstone.

With the legal battle unfolding publicly, Smith faces scrutiny not just in court, but from fans and media alike. Whether he chooses to settle, fight back, or stay silent could shape how his legacy evolves off the field.