One of the most successful American athletes of all time, Bo Jackson, secured another W after suing members of his family for allegations of harassment and extortion, where he claimed $21 million in rewards.
Legal Victory for Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson, the former pro sportsman in both baseball and football, won a lawsuit that he filed against his own family due to alleged extortion attempts from his sibling’s children.
Extortion Case Verdict
In the civil case against his niece and nephew, Jackson emerged victorious with a $21 million verdict due to harassment and intimidation from his family members.
Harassment Timeline
The harassment allegedly began in 2022, involving threatening social media posts, false public allegations, and the disclosure of private information.
Coercion Accusations Filed
According to the lawsuit, Thomas Lee Anderson and Erica M. Anderson Ross attempted to coerce up to $20 million from Bo Anderson and his close family through methods of intimidation.
Demand for Money
The Andersons sought help from an Atlanta attorney who demanded $20 million from Jackson to cease their harassment.
Judge’s Orders
The judge ordered siblings Lee Anderson and Erica Anderson to remove themselves from all contact with Jackson and his immediate family members.
Legal Protections Granted
The court’s decision encompassed a $21 million judgment and a permanent protective order against Thomas Lee Anderson and Erica M. Anderson Ross.
Online Threats
Thomas Anderson’s online post threatening to reveal sensitive information about Jackson was part of the evidence used against him in the case.
Allegations of Blackmail
The online post from Bo Jackon’s nephew, Thomas, suggested that if Bo didn’t pay the money, he would “show America” private information on the former Auburn running-back.
Order to Remove Social Media Posts
It’s because of this sinister online post that the judge also ordered the siblings to remove any social media posts about the Jackson family.
Restraining Order Details
The Andersons are mandated to maintain a distance of 500 yards from Jackson and his family, with a prohibition on any form of contact.
Legal Response
Jackson’s legal team, consisting of Robert Ingram and David Conley, stressed their client’s resilience against the attempted extortion.
Legal Team’s Statement on Resilience
“Unfortunately for those attempting to extort $20 million dollars from Jackson and his family, Bo still hits back hard,” the legal team stated.
Restaurant and Charity Event Threats
Jackson, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Child Development, claimed threats to disrupt a restaurant near his home and disrupt a charity event in Auburn, further escalated the harassment.
Safety Concerns
Expressing fear for his safety and that of his family, Jackson sought a stalking protective order and compensation for emotional distress.
Bo Was No Pushover
Bo Jackson was never a pushover and was a powerhouse in the sports world, as evidenced by his 141 home runs in just eight seasons in Major League Baseball.
Bo’s Illustrious Career
Bo also played football in the NFL, succeeding in two of America’s most popular and competitive sports leagues. He enjoyed time as a college running back for the Auburn Tigers and three years in the NFL for the LA Raiders.
Bo’s Record Achievements
Bo still holds the record in the NFL for the most runs of 90+ yards from scrimmage, and it’s these achievements that have made him recognizable as “one of the greatest athletes of all time.”
Court Findings
Cobb County Superior Court Judge Jason D. Marbutt issued a detailed order, citing the absence of a legitimate purpose for the defendants’ actions.
Marbutt’s Ruling Revealed
“Reasonable people would find defendants’ behavior extreme and outrageous,” claimed Marbutt before adding, “The court saw evidence that an attorney representing defendants claimed his clients’ conduct would cease for the sum of $20 million.”
Default Status
The Andersons were found in default as they failed to rebut Jackson’s claims or participate in the legal proceedings. The court also noted that even after receiving a cease-and-desist letter, the harassment persisted.
Adding to the W’s
This legal victory for Bo will go down as another win to add to the athlete’s lucrative career.
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The post Bo Jackson Scores Legal Victory, Wins $21 Million Lawsuit Against His Family first appeared on From Frugal to Free.
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