Former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., a five-time Pro Bowler and respected TV personality, is now at the center of a scandalous lawsuit — one that alleges he intentionally seduced a married woman, sending explicit messages and engaging in a secret affair that ultimately destroyed her marriage.
According to a lawsuit filed this week in North Carolina by Antonio Martinez, Smith is being accused of “willfully, maliciously, and intentionally” pursuing and having an affair with Martinez’s wife, Nicole Martinez, a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band.
The Alleged Affair Began During NFL Network Filming
The lawsuit claims the affair began in September 2024, when Smith was in Baltimore filming an episode of “The NFL’s Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith” for NFL Network.
Nicole, who was involved with the Ravens’ marching band at the time, met Smith during his visit. Antonio alleges that Smith — either directly or “by and through an agent of the NFL” — gave Nicole his personal phone number, initiating private communication that quickly escalated.
Soon afterward, Smith allegedly began frequent messaging and phone calls, many of which were “explicit in nature,” according to court documents. Antonio claims that Smith sent nude photos of himself and videos of him pleasuring himself, which he says he later uncovered.
Details of the Alleged Affair: “Bend You Over the Sink” Text and a Playoff Game Encounter
In the complaint, Antonio asserts that the relationship between Smith and Nicole intensified in January 2025, when the two attended a Ravens playoff game together. That night, Antonio claims, the pair had sexual intercourse.
Following that encounter, Smith allegedly continued to pursue Nicole aggressively, sending flirtatious and sexual messages — including one quoted in the lawsuit:
“I would love to bend u over the sink right now.”
Antonio says that in February 2025, he discovered the full extent of the affair. Devastated, he allegedly confronted Steve Smith Sr. directly in a recorded phone call, which he later posted on social media.
Divorce and Legal Action: “Love and Affection Was Destroyed”
As a result of the affair, Antonio states that his marriage completely broke down, prompting him to file for divorce from Nicole, with whom he shares one child. The emotional toll, betrayal, and public embarrassment led him to pursue legal action for “alienation of affection.”
This type of lawsuit — still allowed under North Carolina law — allows a spouse to sue a third party for willfully interfering in a marriage and causing its collapse.
“As result of [Smith’s] actions and the adulterous relationship,” the lawsuit states, “the existing love and affection which existed between Plaintiff and his wife was alienated and destroyed.”
Antonio is now seeking damages exceeding $100,000 for the emotional trauma, marital loss, and reputational harm caused by Smith’s alleged behavior.
What Is Alienation of Affection?
North Carolina is one of only a few U.S. states that still recognize alienation of affection lawsuits, a type of civil tort that allows a wronged spouse to sue someone they believe deliberately ended their marriage by initiating a romantic or sexual relationship with their partner.
To win such a lawsuit, the plaintiff typically must prove:
- A valid, loving marriage existed.
- The love and affection was destroyed.
- A third party caused the alienation.
- The actions were intentional and malicious.
Steve Smith Sr. Has Yet to Respond
So far, Steve Smith Sr. has not publicly addressed the lawsuit or the allegations. The former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wideout, who retired from the NFL in 2017, has built a second career as a TV analyst and host. His work with NFL Network has been widely praised — making these accusations all the more shocking to fans and former teammates.
Smith, 45, is known for his fiery on-field personality and strong opinions in broadcasting. However, if the lawsuit proceeds, it could significantly impact his media career and public image, especially as more details emerge from the legal proceedings.
Photos, Messages & Fallout Could Surface
The suit includes alleged screenshots of explicit texts, photos, and video messages that Antonio Martinez says he recovered from his wife’s devices. If the case goes to trial or is not settled quietly, these materials could potentially become part of the public record — drawing even more attention to what is already becoming a headline-making scandal.
Final Thoughts
The lawsuit against Steve Smith Sr. throws a spotlight on personal conduct, privacy, and marital ethics — particularly for public figures in the age of digital communication and social media. While it remains to be seen how Smith will respond legally or publicly, the details already shared are explosive and paint a troubling picture.
As of now, Smith’s silence is only adding fuel to the fire.
