MARIETTA, Ga. — Former athlete Bo Jackson, who had notable careers in both professional football and baseball, has decided to forgo a $21 million judgment previously awarded to him against his niece and nephew, whom he accused of harassment and attempted extortion.
In February, a judge ruled in favor of Jackson following a lawsuit he filed in April 2023 against Thomas Lee Anderson and Erica M. Anderson, also known as Erica Anderson Ross. Jackson, who is celebrated for his exceptional football skills as a running back and his Heisman Trophy win at Auburn, claimed that his relatives attempted to extort him for $20 million through persistent harassment and intimidation tactics.
The judge’s ruling not only included the substantial monetary award but also imposed a permanent protective order that prohibits the Andersons from contacting Jackson and his immediate family. Furthermore, it mandated that they maintain a distance of at least 500 yards from the Jacksons and required the removal of any social media posts pertaining to the family.
Cobb County Superior Court Judge Jason D. Marbutt remarked that neither Jackson’s aunt and uncle nor their legal representatives contested Jackson’s allegations after a hearing in May 2023 that resulted in a temporary protective order. Consequently, the judge deemed the Andersons in default, accepting Jackson’s claims as factual.
Following this ruling, a new attorney for the Andersons sought to overturn the judgment and dismiss the case in a motion filed in March. On Tuesday, both Jackson and the Andersons filed a joint request with the judge to invalidate the previous ruling and dismiss the Andersons’ ongoing motions while establishing a consent judgment.
The court filing expressed, “In the meantime, the Parties have conducted two mediations and have reached a private agreement resolving this dispute.”
On Wednesday, Marbutt granted the request, vacating his earlier February ruling. This new consent judgment affirms several of Jackson’s claims while dismissing others, and crucially, it specifies that no damages will be awarded to either party. Each side is responsible for their own legal fees. The order further underscores that the Andersons must refrain from any harassment or intimidation toward Jackson and his family, maintaining a distance of 500 yards except in designated circumstances such as court appearances or family gatherings. Additionally, the Andersons are prohibited from any form of contact with Jackson and his immediate family.
Jackson, now 62, had previously detailed that the intimidation began in 2022, involving alarming social media threats and damaging allegations that misrepresented him. He also accused the Andersons of publicly disclosing private information intended to inflict emotional distress. With guidance from legal counsel, Jackson claimed the Andersons demanded $20 million to cease their harassment, leaving him concerned for both his safety and that of his family.
