He accused his niece and nephew of harassing him and trying to extort money from him.
A judge decided in Jackson’s favor in February in the lawsuit he filed in April 2023 against Thomas Lee Anderson and Erica M. Anderson, also known as Erica Anderson Ross. Jackson, a running back who won the Heisman Trophy at Auburn and also played in the NFL and MLB, claimed in his lawsuit that his relatives tried to coerce $20 million from him through persistent harassment and intimidation.
In addition to the financial award, last year’s ruling involved a permanent protective order that prohibits his niece and nephew from disturbing or contacting him and his immediate family. It also requires them to remain at least 500 yards away from the Jacksons and take down any social media posts about them.
Cobb County Superior Court Judge Jason D. Marbutt stated in his February ruling that neither Jackson’s niece and nephew nor their lawyers disputed Jackson’s claims or continued to be involved in the case after a May 2023 hearing, at which they agreed to a temporary restraining order. The judge determined the Andersons to be in default, considering all of Jackson’s allegations to be true.
After the initial ruling was made, a new lawyer for the Andersons filed a motion in March to throw out the previous judgment and dismiss the lawsuit, according to court records. In a document filed Tuesday, Jackson and the Andersons jointly requested that the judge vacate the February decision, withdraw the Andersons’ pending motions and enter a consent agreement instead.
“The parties have conclude two mediation sessions and have settled the dispute through a confidential agreement,” the filing states.
Judge Marbutt on Wednesday issued an order vacating his prior ruling at the request of Jackson and Jackson’s niece and nephew.
The court’s decision in the case favors Jackson in several areas but rejects his claims for damages. Neither Jackson nor his sister and brother-in-law will be reimbursed for their legal expenses. The court has also ordered the Andersons to have no physical contact with Jackson and his family and to stay at least 500 yards away from them, with some exceptions such as during court appearances, sports events and family gatherings. The Andersons are also prohibited from having any form of contact with Jackson and his family.
A 62-year-old man alleged that harassing behavior started in 2022, which included threatening messages on social media and false accusations in public. He claimed that a person intentionally shared personal information to cause him significant emotional distress. With the assistance of a lawyer, the man and his family demanded a settlement of $20 million to stop the harassment. He expressed concern for his own safety and the well-being of his family.
