Bo Jackson gives up $21 million judgment in extortion suit against niece and nephew

Former Kansas City Royals' Bo Jackson talks at his Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Kauffman Stadium on June 29, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
MARIETTA, Ga. - Former professional football and baseball player Bo Jackson is giving up a $21 million judgment against his niece and nephew.
Jackson said his family members harassed and tried to extort money from him.
Bo Jackson's lawsuit
What we know:
Bo Jackson, a former professional football and baseball player, filed a lawsuit in April 2023 against his niece and nephew, Thomas Lee Anderson and Erica M. Anderson, alleging harassment and extortion attempts for $20 million.
A judge ruled in Jackson's favor in February, awarding him a $21 million judgment and a permanent protective order against his relatives.
The protective order required the Andersons to stay 500 yards away from Jackson and his family and to remove social media posts about them.
Jackson and the Andersons reached a private agreement after two mediations, leading to a consent judgment with no damages awarded to either party.
The consent judgment requires the Andersons not to harass or intimidate Jackson and his family and to maintain a 500-yard distance, with exceptions for certain events.
What was their agreement with Jackson?
What we don't know:
The specific terms of the private agreement reached between Jackson and the Andersons.
The reasons why the Andersons did not initially rebut Jackson’s claims or participate in the case after the May 2023 hearing.
Bo Jackson lawsuit: How it unfolded
Timeline:
Here is a look at how this unfolded:
- 2022: Jackson alleges the harassment began, including threatening social media posts and public allegations.
- April 2023: Jackson files a lawsuit against his niece and nephew.
- May 2023: The Andersons consent to a temporary protective order.
- February 2023: A judge rules in Jackson's favor, awarding a $21 million judgment.
- March 2023: A new lawyer for the Andersons files a motion to set aside the judgment.
- Tuesday (date unspecified): Jackson and the Andersons jointly request the judge to vacate the February order.
- Wednesday (date unspecified): Judge Marbutt vacates the February ruling.
Jackson feared for his life
The backstory:
Jackson, a Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL and MLB player, alleged that his relatives' harassment included public disclosure of private information and demands for $20 million to stop.
Jackson feared for his safety and that of his family due to the harassment.
What they're saying:
The joint filing states, "In the meantime, the Parties have conducted two mediations and have reached a private agreement resolving this dispute."
What's next:
The consent judgment is in place, requiring the Andersons to adhere to the terms of non-harassment and maintaining distance from Jackson and his family.
The Source: This article is based on original reporting by the Associated Press.