In a civil lawsuit, former professional athlete Bo Jackson claimed that his niece and nephew were stalking and blackmailing him, and he was awarded $21 million.
Thomas Lee Anderson and his sister Erica M. Anderson Ross were accused in the April complaint of using intimidation and harassment to try to get $20 million from the MLB All-Star and Pro Bowler.
According to Jackson, the harassment began in 2022 and included hostile letters and posts on social media, false accusations made in public, and the release of personal material that was meant to seriously upset him emotionally.
They allegedly threatened to show up at and cause trouble at a fundraiser that Jackson was hosting close to Auburn University, his alma mater.
The Andersons then demanded payment in order for them to change their behavior.
In addition, Jackson’s niece and nephew were told not to speak to him or any of his close family members and to keep a minimum of 500 yards between them and the former running back and outfielder.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Jackson with the first overall pick in the 1986 NFL Draft; however, Jackson chose to play baseball and sign with the Kansas City Royals. Jackson did, however, sign with the Los Angeles Raiders the next season after learning that owner Al Davis was considering letting him play football in addition to baseball.
