MARIETTA, Ga. — Defendant Bo Jackson will waive a $21 million judgment against his niece and nephew after the former football and baseball star allegedly harassed and tried to extort money from them.
In February, a judge ruled in favor of Jackson in a lawsuit he filed in April 2023 against Thomas Lee Anderson and Erica M. Anderson (also known as Erica Anderson Ross). I put it down.
Jackson, who won the Heisman Trophy as a running back at Auburn and also played in the NFL and MLB, claimed in the lawsuit that his relatives tried to extort $20 million from him through harassment and intimidation.
In addition to the award, last year’s ruling also included a permanent protection order forbidding his niece and nephew from bothering or contacting him or his immediate family. It also said people must stay at least 500 meters away from the Jackson family and delete social media posts about the Jackson family.
In a February order, Cobb County Superior Court Judge Jason D. Marbutt said neither Jackson’s niece and nephew nor their attorneys have disputed Jackson’s claims since the May 2023 hearing when he agreed to the temporary protective order. , said it was not taking part in the lawsuit. The judge found the Andersons in default and accepted all of Jackson’s claims as true.
After the ruling was issued, the Andersons’ new attorneys filed a motion in March to vacate the ruling and dismiss the case, according to court filings. In Tuesday’s filing, Jackson and the Andersons jointly asked the judge to vacate the February order, dismiss the Andersons’ pending claims, and enter a consent judgment.
“During that time, the parties have conducted two rounds of mediation and reached a non-disclosure agreement to resolve this dispute,” the filing states.
Marbutt on Wednesday issued an order reversing the February ruling at the request of Jackson and his nieces and nephews.
The consent decree finds in Jackson’s favor on some counts, rejects others, awards no damages to Jackson or his nieces and nephews, and leaves attorneys’ fees to be paid by the parties themselves. . The Anderson family must also not harass or threaten Jackson, his wife and children, and must stay 500 yards away from them, except in certain situations such as court appearances, sporting events, and family functions. It also states that it must be done. The Anderson family is also to have no contact with Jackson, his wife and children.
Jackson, 62, claimed the harassment began in 2022 and included threatening posts and messages on social media and allegations that painted her in the wrong light in public. He also claimed that the disclosure of his personal information was intended to cause him severe emotional distress. With the help of a lawyer, the Andersons asked for $20 million to stop it. Jackson said she fears for her safety and that of her family.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.