Steve Smith Sr. Saga took another step.
Anthony Martinez, who accused Smith of having a relationship with his wife, Nicole, filed a lawsuit against the former NFL star.
Martinez is seeking more than $100,000 from Smith in a civil lawsuit in Mecklenburg County Superior Court in North Carolina. According to the Charlotte Observer.
The case, filed Tuesday, is under North Carolina's “Homewrecker Act,” where spouses can sue anyone who disbands their love and affection in marriage.
Martinez must prove that there was genuine love in the marriage during the lawsuit.
North Carolina is one of six states in the country that allow lawsuits under the “Homewrecker Act.”
The allegations against Smith, 45, were first revealed when screenshots between a five-time Pro Bowler and Martinez's wife were posted to social media from an account in Anthony's name.
Screenshots posted on X have since been deleted.
Martinez also called Smith to face him over an explicit message.
“You were king my wife, my wife,” Martinez said, according to the lawsuit. “What do I have to do for myself?”
“Sorry,” Smith reportedly replied.
According to the lawsuit, Martinez's wife and Smith reportedly met on work while working with the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band, and NFL network analysts joined the band in September to film an episode of “The Most Interesting NFL Work with Steve Smith.”
Shortly after the allegations were revealed, Shannon Sharp and Chad “Ochocinko” Johnson placed emphasis on the controversy.
“Steve Smith is not loyal to you, so you will never stand up to an individual,” Johnson told him and Sharp's “Nightcap” podcast in February. “You talk to your wife, you check on your wife… Understand who you are married. The nature of human beings is undefeated.”
“I knew 20 years. He attended my party at the Super Bowl and had a great conversation with him. I love that guy,” Sharp replied with agreement. “Hard nose, how he plays, X, Y, Z. But Bro, you need to lift it up with your wife.
