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Ex-NFL star Steve Smith sued under ‘homewrecker law’ for alleged affair with man’s wife
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- Ex-NFL star Steve Smith sued under ‘homewrecker law’ for alleged affair with man’s wife
The Steve Smith Sr . saga has taken another step.
Anthony Martinez, who accused Smith of having a monthslong affair with his wife Nicole, has filed a lawsuit against the former NFL star.
Martinez is asking for over $100,000 from Smith in a civil lawsuit in North Carolina's Mecklenburg County Superior Court, according to the Charlotte Observer .
Steve Smith, Sr. reacts after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. USA Today Sports
The case, which was filed on Tuesday, is under North Carolina's "homewrecker law," which lets a spouse sue the person impeding on and breaking up a marriage's love and affection.
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Martinez will have to prove that there was genuine affection in his marriage during the lawsuit.
North Carolina is one of six states in the country that allows lawsuits under the "homewrecker law."
The allegations against Smith, 45, first came to light in February when screenshots between the five-time Pro Bowler and Martinez's wife were posted on social media from an account with Anthony's name.
Martinez will have to prove that there was genuine affection in his marriage during the lawsuit. X
The screenshots, which were posted on X, have since been deleted.
Martinez also called Smith in an attempt to confront him over the explicit messages.
"You've been f–king my wife, bro," Martinez said, according to the lawsuit. "Whatcha gotta say for yourself?"
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"I'm sorry," Smith reportedly responded.
Martinez's wife and Smith reportedly met at her job with the Baltimore Ravens marching band, with the NFL Network analyst joining the band in September to film an episode for "The NFL's Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith," according to the lawsuit.
Steve Smith Sr. of the NFL Network arrives before a preseason game between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Getty Images
Shortly after the allegations were revealed, Shannon Sharpe and Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson weighed in on the controversy , with both arguing that Martinez is not entitled to anything from Smith.
"You never confront the individual because Steve Smith owes you no loyalty," Johnson said on he and Sharpe's "Nightcap" podcast in February. "You talk to your wife, you check your wife… Understand who you're marrying. Human nature is undefeated."
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"I've known Smitty 20 years. He was just at my party at the Super Bowl, had a great conversation with him. I love the guy," Sharpe responded in agreement. "Hard nosed, the way he plays, X, Y and Z. But bro, you need to take that up with your wife. Smitty owes you no loyalty."
