One of Steve Smith Sr.’s children has hit out at those sending “hateful messages” to their family in the wake of cheating allegations made against the former NFL All-Pro.
Smith Sr., 45, was accused by a Tony Martinez of having an affair with Martinez’s wife in several explicit X posts over the weekend; the account that posted the allegations has been deleted.
“Your kind words and prayers are felt and appreciated. God’s got us,” Smith’s son Peyton wrote on an Instagram post featuring a photo of him and his three siblings with their mom, Angie.
“I won’t take much time feeding into the negativity, but to those sending hateful messages to my family, I hope you take time to reflect that you have nothing better to do with your day than to message hate to a stranger.”
Martinez claimed his wife is a member of the Marching Ravens, the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band.
Smith, currently an NFL Network analyst, played his final three seasons with the Ravens after 13 years with the Panthers.
The deleted account posted screenshots showing sexually charged texts allegedly exchanged between Smith and Martinez’s wife.
It also posted a video depicting a man calling someone who is allegedly Smith and accusing him of having sex with his wife.
The man on the other end of the phone said “sorry,” and when pressed further hung up after a long pause.
The allegations drew the attention of ex-NFLers Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson on their “Nightcap” podcast.
“You never confront the individual because Steve Smith owes you no loyalty,” Johnson said, referring to Martinez. “You talk to your wife, you check your wife… Understand who you’re marrying. Human nature is undefeated.”
Sharpe said Smith was just at his Super Bowl party and that they’ve known each other for 20 years.
“I love the guy,” Sharpe said. “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.
“He’s gonna have to deal with the situation at home, his own situation. I don’t know the gentleman’s name, but that’s a situation you gotta take up with your wife. She is the one that has an obligation to you.”