Mark Jackson Releases Statement on Extortion Controversy with Former Mistress

Mark Jackson Releases Statement on Extortion Controversy with Former Mistress

Golden State Warriors Head Coach Mark Jackson, who has been married for 22 years, has admitted confirmed that he and his family were the targets of an extortion by his ex-mistress named Alexis Adams.

The woman - a 28-year-old former New York club stripper - allegedly possessed nude photographs of her and 40-year-old Jackson and asking for a lump sum of money to keep the photos from becoming public.

Jackson and Adams affair began around six years ago while Jackson was an announcer for the New Jersey Nets. Adams reportedly received $5,000 from Jackson to keep their secret a secret but the pair still contacted his wife and demanding another six-figure payment.

With the help of FBI, Adams and its accomplice ex-convict Marcus Shaw were arrested earlier this week.

Jackson released a statement through the team, apologizing for his actions.

It reads:

My family and I were the victims of an extortion scheme.

The scheme began on April 3, 2012, when the Warriors were in Memphis to play the Grizzlies. A man approached me at the team hotel with personal information which he threatened to sell to a tabloid. At the time, he demanded a substantial sum of money. Regrettably, I paid him. In retrospect, I understand that this was a terrible lapse in judgment and a course of action I would not recommend to anyone.

Following the encounter in Memphis – a little over two weeks later – the extortionist sent an e-mail and phoned my wife, Desiree, making threats and demanding additional money. At that point, I informed the Warriors about the situation and asked for their guidance. We immediately notified the FBI, which promptly began an investigation.

The personal information in the extortion scheme related to a woman that I, mistakenly, had an extra-marital relationship with six years ago – prior to joining the Warriors – when I was a TV sports analyst. I made my wife aware of the relationship at that time, apologized to her and we reconciled. Obviously, my self-centered transgression at that time is not something I’m proud of, but I’m blessed to have an incredible wife, mother and partner and I thank the Lord for her
each day.

I recognize the extremely poor judgment that I used both in having an affair six years ago – including the embarrassing communication I exhibited during that time - and in attempting to deal with the extortion scheme at first by myself. I
made some egregious errors. I apologize for any embarrassment I may have caused my family, friends and, of course, the Warriors.

At that time in my life, I was not pastoring. Three years ago, my wife and I established a ministry. With deepest regret, I want to apologize to my Church Family.

*Matt 24:17: What goes on in the dark will come out in the light.

I was wrong. We must live Holy.

I’d like to thank everyone – my wife, my family, the entire Warriors organization and the FBI – for their support and assistance during this time as law enforcement officials try to bring the extortion suspects to justice.

As this is an ongoing legal matter involving the FBI, I cannot comment further at this time.

Thank you."