Due to an alleged affair, a former Panthers player faces a $100K civil lawsuit.
The ferocious former wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, Steve Smith Sr., who was known for his discipline on the field, is now facing a new kind of opponent: a civil case in a North Carolina court.
Antonio Martinez, the husband of a woman Smith allegedly had an affair with, is suing Smith for over $100,000, according to a lawsuit submitted Tuesday in Mecklenburg County Superior Court. The woman apparently met Smith while filming his NFL Network series “The NFL’s Most Interesting Jobs.” She is a member of the marching band for the Baltimore Ravens. The relationship allegedly progressed through months of sending sexually suggestive messages before ending in a hotel rendezvous while Smith was in Baltimore for the Ravens’ January playoff game, according to the lawsuit.
Affair Allegations Cause a Legal Firestorm
Often referred to as the “homewrecker law,” North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” statute is cited in the case. It enables a spouse to bring a lawsuit against a third person for allegedly destroying the emotional bond between them. Martinez says he found a redacted nude photo of the five-time Pro Bowler and messages between his wife and Smith, which led him to the affair. Later, he made the conversations public on X (previously Twitter), and he called Smith and confronted him, saying, “I’m sorry.”
Martinez is willing to meet the burden of proving in court that there was true love and affection in the marriage prior to the claimed interference, as required by this law.
Fallout, Legacy, and Reputation
Smith, 45, is eighth all-time in the NFL with 14,731 career receiving yards, making him one of the most admired players in Panthers history. He rebranded himself as a reputable commentator and media figure after retiring. That reputation might be damaged by the case, particularly among Carolina fans who still see him as a pillar of the team.
Smith is under scrutiny not only in court but also from the media and fans as a result of the public legal struggle. The way his legacy develops off the field may depend on whether he decides to settle, fight back, or remain silent.
