Bo Jackson dropped $21 million lawsuit against niece and nephew

MARIETTA, Ga. — Former professional football and baseball player Bo Jackson is dropping a $21 million judgment against his niece and nephew, who he says harassed and tried to extort money from him.

In February, a judge ruled in Jackson’s favor in a lawsuit he filed in April 2023 against Thomas Lee Anderson and Erica M. Anderson, also known as Erica Anderson Ross. Jackson, a Heisman Trophy-winning running back at Auburn who also played in the NFL and MLB, alleged in his lawsuit that his relatives tried to extort $20 million from him through harassment and intimidation.

In addition to the monetary award, last year’s decision included a permanent protective order barring his nephew and niece from disturbing or contacting him and his immediate family. It also said they must stay at least 500 yards (meters) away from the Jacksons and delete social media posts about them.

Cobb County Superior Court Judge Jason D. Marbutt said in his February order that neither Jackson’s niece and nephew nor their attorneys have disputed Jackson’s claims or participated in the case since a May 2023 hearing when they agreed to a temporary protective order. The judge found the Andersons to be the losers, finding all of Jackson’s allegations true.

After that ruling, the Andersons’ new attorney filed a motion in March to vacate the ruling and dismiss the lawsuit, according to court records. In Tuesday’s filing, Jackson and the Andersons jointly asked the judge to vacate the February order, withdraw the Andersons’ pending motions and enter a consent decree.

“In the meantime, the parties have conducted two mediations and reached a private agreement to resolve this dispute,” the statement said.

Marbutt on Wednesday issued an order reversing his February decision at the request of Jackson and his niece and nephew.

The consent decree finds in Jackson’s favor on several counts and dismisses others, awards no damages to either Jackson or his niece and nephew, and says the parties must pay their own attorneys’ fees. It also said the Andersons must not harass or intimidate Jackson, his wife and children and stay 500 yards (meters) away from them, except in certain circumstances, including court appearances, sporting events and family events. The Andersons are also to have no contact with Jackson, his wife and children.

Jackson, 62, claimed the harassment began in 2022 and included threats on social media and messages, public accusations that cast him in a false light. He also claimed that the public disclosure of private information was intended to cause him severe emotional distress. With the help of a lawyer, the Andersons demanded $20 million to stop. According to him, he fears for his safety and the safety of his family.