Latest news with #TheNFL'sMostInterestingJobs
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
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. Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Related: Dan Morgan on David Tepper: 'Not the villain you think he is' Related: Panthers GM Dan Morgan believes Tetairoa McMillan was too valuable to pass up
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ravens Legend Steve Smith Sued in Home-Wrecker Law Case
Baltimore Ravens legendary wide receiver Steve Smith is being sued for $100,000 in civil court under the so-called "home-wrecker law.'' The plaintiff is the husband of a member of the Ravens' marching band, who has accused Smith of being entangled in a months-long affair with his wife. Advertisement Antonio Martinez is filing the suit under North Carolina's "alienation of affection" law - known colloquially as the "home-wrecker law". The suit is being filed in Mecklenberg County Superior Court. In order to prove "alienation of affection," Martinez must establish that Smith "disrupted genuine love and affection" that existed in his marriage. The statute allows a spouse to sue a third party, seeking damages for interfering with and destroying a marriage. There is no burden of proof that a sexual relationship occurred, only that there was wrongful conduct that led to the end of the marriage. North Carolina is one of six states that have such a law, with the others being South Dakota, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico and Utah. Allegations of the affair between Smith and Martinez's wife surfaced in February, when Martinez posted screenshots of messages supposedly sent between the pair. Advertisement "The opening shot was fired late Friday night, when an X account replied to a video of Smith golfing with a straightforward question of whether his wife knew he was having an affair with the account owner's wife. "The account proceeded to post a screengrab of alleged sexts between Smith and the accuser's wife and quoted it in replies to a number of news outlets and larger accounts, including both of Smith's former teams and Kanye West for some reason." Yahoo Sports reported in February. The former received-turned NFL Network analyst met the marching band member in September during a production for an episode of 'The NFL's Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith.' The pair apparently kept in touch, messaging back and forth for months, talking about their days, families and sexual fantasies with one another, per the lawsuit. Martinez allegedly called Smith to confront him, telling Smith "You've been (expletive) my wife, bro." Advertisement "Whatcha gotta say for yourself?" Asked Martinez. According to the lawsuit, Smith responded with "I'm sorry." Smith has been married to his wife Angie since 2000, and the pair have four children together. Related: Jets Top Draft Pick Key To Unlocking Justin Fields QB Ability Related: Stephen A. Smith Defends Shannon Sharpe Amid Allegations
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-Panthers great Steve Smith sued under 'homewrecker law' for alleged affair with Ravens marching band member
Rumors emerged in February suggesting former Carolina Panthers wideout and current NFL Network analyst Steve Smith had an affair with a Baltimore Ravens marching band member. Three months later, Smith is being sued for those allegations. The husband of the woman who reportedly had an affair with Smith is suing the NFL great for over $100,000 in a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday, according to the Charlotte Observer. The lawsuit — which was filed in Mecklenburg County Superior Court in North Carolina — accused Smith of engaging in a months-long affair with a member of the Ravens' marching band. Smith reportedly met the woman while filming an episode of "The NFL's Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith" for NFL Network, per the lawsuit. The two exchanged contact information and allegedly sent each other sexual text messages. The lawsuit then alleged the woman visited Smith in his hotel room in January. Smith, who also played for the Ravens, was back in town attending the Ravens' playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. A month later, the woman's husband posted messages on X accusing Smith of an affair. The man reportedly called Smith and confronted him over the alleged affair. Smith reportedly responded by repeatedly saying, "I'm sorry" during the call. Smith can be sued under North Carolina's "alienation of affection" law, according to the Charlotte Observer. The law allows a spouse to sue a third party for destroying a marriage. It's also known as the "homewrecker law." In order for the lawsuit to be proven, the man must show there was genuine love in the relationship before Smith got involved. Smith was married in 2000, and has four children.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Panthers great Steve Smith sued for alleged affair with Ravens marching-band member
Steve Smith is being sued for an alleged affair with a Ravens marching-band member. (Photo by) Rumors emerged in February suggesting former Carolina Panthers wideout Steve Smith had an affair with a Baltimore Ravens marching-band member. Three months later, Smith is being sued for those allegations. The husband of the woman who reportedly had an affair with Smith is suing the NFL great for over $100,000 in a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday, according to the Charlotte Observer. The lawsuit — which was filed in Mecklenburg County Superior Court in North Carolina — accused Smith of engaging in a months-long affair with a member of the Ravens' marching band. Advertisement Smith reportedly met the woman while filming an episode of "The NFL's Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith" for NFL Network, per the lawsuit. Two two exchanged contact information and allegedly sent each other sexual text messages. The lawsuit then alleged the woman visited Smith in his hotel room in January. Smith — who also played for the Ravens — was back in town attending the Ravens' playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. A month later, the woman's husband posted messages on X accusing Smith of an affair. The man reportedly called Smith and confronted him over the alleged affair. Smith reportedly responded by repeatedly saying, "I'm sorry" during the call. Advertisement Smith can be sued under North Carolina's "alienation of affection" law, according to the Charlotte Observer. The law allows a spouse to sue a third party for destroying a marriage. It's also known as the "homewrecker law." In order for the lawsuit to be proven, the man must show there was genuine love in the relationship before Smith got involved. Smith was married in 2000, and has four children.
