Wait, which Steve Smith are we talking about?
In the world of sports, this name is heavy. You've got the Australian cricket legend who got sent home in tears after a sandpaper scandal. Then you've got the NFL's Steve Smith Sr., the triple-crown wide receiver who never met a defensive back he couldn't bully.
Lately, the internet has been on fire over steve smith cheating texts. But here's the thing: people are mixing up a ball-tampering "cheat" with a "cheating" scandal of a much more personal nature.
If you're looking for the cricket stuff from years ago, that's old news. If you're here because you saw a viral video of a man confronting a former NFL star over an affair with a member of a marching band, you're in the right place. Honestly, the details are messy.
The Viral Confrontation and Those "Receipts"
Back in February 2025, a guy named Tony Martinez decided he wasn't going to go quiet. He took to social media—specifically X—and claimed that his wife, Nicole, had been involved in a months-long affair with Steve Smith Sr.
Nicole wasn't just anyone; she was a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band.
Martinez didn't just tweet a random accusation. He posted what the internet now calls the steve smith cheating texts. These were screenshots of messages that were, let’s be real, pretty explicit. We’re talking about photos, videos, and "sexual fantasies" that were reportedly exchanged over a six-month period.
Then came the video.
Martinez posted a recording of a phone call. In it, you hear a voice that sounds exactly like the legendary Panthers wide receiver. Martinez basically says, "Yo, you've been messing with my wife, what do you have to say?"
The response? A very quiet, very brief, "I'm sorry."
Why North Carolina Law Makes This a Massive Mess
Usually, when a celebrity gets caught in a "cheating" scandal, it's just tabloid fodder. It's a PR nightmare, but it’s not a legal one.
Not in North Carolina.
Steve Smith Sr. is currently facing a lawsuit under something called the "homewrecker law." The official legal term is an "alienation of affection" tort. Basically, it allows a jilted spouse to sue the person who supposedly "stole" the love and affection of their partner.
Martinez is reportedly seeking over $100,000 in damages. He claims Smith didn't just have a fling; he "torched" the marriage.
- The Lawsuit: Filed in Mecklenburg County.
- The Claim: Intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
- The Defense: Smith’s legal team has tried to get it dismissed, arguing there’s no "credible evidence," but a judge reportedly shot that down in mid-2025.
It’s a weird law. Most states got rid of it decades ago because it feels a bit medieval. But in the Carolinas, it's still very much a thing. To win, Martinez has to prove the marriage was actually happy before Smith showed up.
The NFL Network Analyst's Surprising Reaction
You’d think a guy in the middle of a $100,000 "homewrecker" lawsuit would keep his head down.
Not Smitty.
During a preseason broadcast in August 2025, Smith actually poked fun at his own situation. Someone asked if he was going to buy chicken sandwiches for the fans. He laughed it off and said something like, "Y'all know my situation, I can't afford to be helping anybody right now!"
His colleagues on the air were losing it. It was classic Steve Smith—brash, unapologetic, and totally unafraid of the "messy" headlines.
But behind the jokes, there’s a family. Smith has been married to his wife, Angie, since 2000. They have four kids. While the steve smith cheating texts are all over the internet, his wife has remained remarkably silent.
Crushing the Confusion: Sandpaper vs. Screenshots
It’s worth pausing for a second because Google search results for "Steve Smith cheating" are a total graveyard of two different stories.
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- The Cricket Scandal (2018): This is the "Sandpapergate" incident. Steve Smith (the Australian batter) was banned for a year because he knew his teammate was using sandpaper to scuff the ball. This was "cheating" the game.
- The NFL Scandal (2025): This is the text message saga. Steve Smith Sr. is accused of "cheating" on his wife.
If you see headlines about a "tearful apology" from years ago, that's the cricket guy. If you see headlines about "alienation of affection" and "marching band members," that's the NFL legend.
What This Means for Smith’s Legacy
Smith was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025. He’s one of the best to ever do it. But these steve smith cheating texts have definitely put a dent in the "family man" image he’s projected for years through his foundation.
The legal battle is still grinding through the courts. Whether the texts are 100% authentic or if the "homewrecker" law will actually result in a massive payout is still TBD.
How to Stay Informed on the Case
If you're following this, keep an eye on the Mecklenburg County court filings. That's where the real "receipts" will eventually end up if this goes to a jury trial.
Most celebrity scandals blow over in a week. This one is different because of the specific laws in North Carolina and the fact that Smith seems content to joke about it on live TV.
Next Steps for You: Check the local Charlotte news outlets for updates on the "alienation of affection" hearing dates. If you’re a fan of his NFL Network work, watch for any shifts in his broadcasting schedule, though so far, he seems to be leaning into the controversy rather than running from it.