Spouse of Presumed Mistress of Steve Smith Sr.'s Ravens Band Member Seeks $100,000 Compensation
Rewritten Article:
Steve Smith Sr. might need to beef up his bankroll, matey!
The ex-NFL star's alleged affair could hit him with a six-figure bill if his mistress' husband succeeds in his legal action against Steve.
Anthony Martinez - the one who outed Smith's fling with his wife Nicole - has filed a lawsuit against the former receiver in North Carolina. Martinez's lawsuit, filed under the state's "homewrecker law," was kicked off this week.
As per the Charlotte Observer, this law allows a spouse to sue a third party for meddling with and tearing apart a marriage's love and affection. Not many U.S. states offer such legal maneuvers.
Smith stands accused of snagging more than $100,000 from Martinez's wallet. The state doesn't cap the amount one can sue for under this law.
Smith, who's spent 16 seasons in the NFL, starred for the Baltimore Ravens from 2014 to 2016. Martinez's wife, Nicole, was once a member of the Ravens' band, "Marching Ravens."
BERLIN, GERMANY - DECEMBER 24, 2016: Steve Smith (AFP PHOTO / SHAUN CHAMERLAIN)
A Career in Carolina Before the Ravens
The Observer reveals that, as per the lawsuit, Steve and Nicole Martinez's relationship took off around the time Smith was shooting "The NFL's Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith," which showcased the Marching Ravens. The pair exchanged numbers, started chatting, and a few months later, Nicole Martinez was allegedly hanging out in Smith's hotel room over the weekend of a Bills vs. Ravens playoff game.
Martinez spilled the tea on the alleged affair this winter via his X account, complete with snapshots of a text exchange with his wife and Steve. Needless to say, he didn't mince words.
"My wife works for the Marching Ravens @Ravens She met Steve Smith Sr at work. Steve Smith has been (swearing) my wife. I got receipts, I got a lot more homie," Martinez posted.
He later dropped a recording of what appears to be Smith, who just said, "I'm sorry."
Now, Martinez aims to rake in at least $100k from Smith for stepping out on his band-member wife.
That's one expensive concert ticket, son!
*Follow along on X @OhioAF***
Enrichment Data:
Details on the "Homewrecker Law" in North Carolina:
The "homewrecker law" in North Carolina is known as the "alienation of affection" law. It permits a spouse to sue a third party for destroying the love and affection in their marriage. Although uncommon, a few U.S. states continue to enforce this legislation.
Important Features of the Alienation of Affection Statute:
- Eligibility: To qualify, the plaintiff must prove that genuine love and affection were present in the marriage before the third party interfered.
- Application: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the third party intentionally disrupted the shared love and affection, contributing to the marriage's end.
- Legal Grounds: The lawsuit usually seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, and reimbursement for legal fees due to emotional distress and the loss of the marital relationship.
Steve Smith Sr.'s Case
Steve Smith Sr., a retired NFL player and NFL Network analyst, is under fire in a lawsuit brought by the alienation of affection statute. The plaintiff, Antonio Martinez, claims that Smith engaged in a months-long affair with his wife, Nicole - a former member of the Ravens marching band. Martinez is seeking over $100,000 in damages to cover emotional distress, the deterioration of his marriage, and legal fees.
- If Steve Smith Sr.'s mistress' husband is successful in his lawsuits against him, the ex-NFL star might have to pay a six-figure sum, exceeding $100,000, according to the "homewrecker law" in North Carolina.
- Steve Smith Sr., a former NFL player and current NFL Network analyst, stands accused of partaking in a months-long affair with the wife of Anthony Martinez, a former member of the Ravens' marching band, leading to a lawsuit under the "alienation of affection" law in North Carolina.
- The "alienation of affection" law in North Carolina allows a spouse to sue a third party for intentionally disrupting the shared love and affection in their marriage, causing emotional distress and the loss of the marital relationship.
- In Smith's case, the plaintiff, Antonio Martinez, aims to receive not only compensatory damages but also punitive damages and reimbursement for legal fees due to the alleged affair's impact on his marriage and emotional well-being.
