Shannon Sharpe defends Steve Smith, Sr. over allegations: 'Smitty owes you no loyalty'

On Saturday, former NFL wide receiver and current NFL Network analyst Steve Smith, Sr. was accused of having an extramarital affair with a woman associated with the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band by someone claiming to be her husband.

Smith, who has been married for 20 years, hasn’t responded publically to the claims, but former Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe is speaking up on behalf of his friend.

On Sunday’s episode of Nightcap, Sharpe and co-host Chad Johnson watched a video purporting to show a man named Tony Martinez calling Smith to let him know he’s aware of the affair. The voice on the other line, presumably Smith, only says he is “sorry.”

Sharpe, who’s had to deal with his own social media sexual snafu, says that if this man was upset about the alleged affair, he should have kept it between him and his wife.

Unc & Ocho react to Steve Smith Sr having an affair

“I don’t know the gentleman’s name but this a situation you have to take up with your wife” – unc @ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/J6dTqJ0cYM

— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) February 24, 2025

“I’ve known Smitty 20 years,” said Sharpe. “He was just at my party at the Super Bowl, had a great conversation with him. I love the guy. 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.

“I don’t know the gentleman’s name but this a situation you have to handle with your wife. She has the loyalty clause. She’s the one that has an obligation to you.”

The X user Tony Martinez (@Lambeaughini) has since deleted their account, so the initial accusations only live now as screenshots and saved videos.

We’ll see if NFL Network or Smith respond publicly to the allegations.