Inside Antonio Martinez’s $100K Lawsuit Against NFL Legend Steve Smith Sr.

By Jason Bolton August 24, 2025 09:42

The drama surrounding former NFL star Steve Smith Sr. took a legal turn in 2025 as Antonio Martinez, a North Carolina resident and U.S. Army veteran, filed a $100,000 lawsuit against Smith under the state’s rarely invoked “alienation of affection” or “homewrecker law.” The lawsuit alleges that Smith engaged in a months-long affair with Martinez’s wife, Nicole, leading to the dissolution of their marriage.

According to court documents filed in Mecklenburg County Superior Court, the affair began during Smith’s work-related visit to Baltimore in September 2024, when Smith was filming an episode of his NFL Network show, "The NFL’s Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith." Martinez claims Smith and his wife exchanged texts, explicit photos, and at least one in-person meeting during this time, constituting a deliberate and malicious act that inflicted emotional distress and ruined a previously loving marriage.

Martinez’s complaint states that the couple, who were married for several years with shared children and a strong marital bond, were happy until Smith’s involvement disrupted their relationship. Screenshots and private messages some posted publicly on social media by Martinez before being deleted allegedly reveal intimate conversations and admissions by Smith apologizing for the affair upon confrontation. In one recorded call, Smith reportedly said simply, “I’m sorry.”

The suit primarily seeks compensatory damages exceeding $100,000 as well as punitive damages and legal fees, arguing the ex-NFL player’s actions led directly to the emotional and familial harm suffered by Martinez. North Carolina is one of just a few states allowing civil lawsuits of this nature, designed to hold third parties accountable for interfering in marital relationships.

Steve Smith Sr. is a legendary figure in football, known both for his storied 13-season NFL career and his role as a football analyst. He is revered for his competitive spirit, trash-talking prowess, and remarkable feats on the field, including being the Carolina Panthers’ all-time leader in receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards. His involvement in this lawsuit has attracted widespread media attention, contrasting sharply with his previously clean public image.

Smith has refrained from formally commenting on the lawsuit, but did lighten the mood during a recent NFL Network broadcast, joking about the pending litigation in a self-deprecating manner. “Man, y’all know my situation,” Smith quipped, “I can’t afford to be helping anybody right now!” His legal team has filed motions to dismiss the case, though a judge denied dismissal in July, allowing the suit to proceed.

Reactions to the lawsuit have been mixed. Some former teammates and sports figures have weighed in, with former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton famously stating on his podcast that “Steve Smith did you a favor,” implying the affair revealed marital issues that predated Smith’s involvement. Others have expressed sympathy for Martinez and emphasized the seriousness of alienating a spouse’s affections.

Antonio Martinez’s lawsuit against Steve Smith Sr. is shaping up to be one of the most unusual legal battles adjacent to professional sports in recent memory. Beyond dollars and damages, it exposes the personal complexities and vulnerabilities that even sports legends can face.

Whether this case will lead to a financial settlement, a jury trial, or simply fade away remains to be seen. However, it undoubtedly adds a new, complicated chapter to both men’s lives and continues to fuel discussion about the intersection of celebrity, personal conduct, and accountability.