The Carolina Panthers are now linked to a growing controversy involving their former All-Pro wide receiver, Steve Smith Sr.
On Saturday, Smith went viral for reasons unrelated to football after a man accused him of having an affair with his wife, who is connected to the Ravens Marching Band.
The allegations surfaced when an X user, Tony Martinez (@Lambeaughini), responded to a video posted by Smith, claiming the former NFL star had been involved with his wife.
Shortly after, Martinez followed up with a post tagging Smith, the Ravens, the Panthers, and multiple news outlets, sharing what appeared to be screenshots of text exchanges between Smith and his wife.
Determined to amplify the claims, Martinez spent hours reposting the accusations to attract the attention of media and NFL-related accounts. Eventually, he posted a video that allegedly captured a phone conversation between himself and Smith.
In the clip, Martinez seemingly confronts Smith about the alleged affair. A voice, believed to be Smith’s, responds with “I’m sorry” as Martinez continues his criticism. The call lasts for nearly 90 seconds before ending.