Warriors Coach Mark Jackson The Victim Of Extortion

Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson said Thursday that he was the victim of an extortion attempt related to an extramarital affair that he once had.

The Smoking Gun, who first broke the story, reported that Alexis Adams, a 28-year-old ex-stripper, extorted money from Jackson by threatening to release nude photographs of him that were in her possession.

Adams was named in a criminal complaint, and was released on $25,000 bail, but a  a co-conspirator, 40-year-old Marcus Shaw, remained behind bars, due to an aggravated robbery conviction from 1996. 

Jackson recently completed his first year as head coach of the Warriors, guiding the team to a 23-43 overall record.

Jackson, who played collegiately at St. John's, played 17 seasons in the NBA, from 1987-2004, with the New York Knicks, Los Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets. Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets, accumulating 12,489 career points, along with 10,334 assists, which ranks him second all-time.

Jackson said he gave a man a large sum of money earlier this season when the man threatened to sell personal information to a tabloid. He said he and his family were approached a couple of weeks later, which is when he notified the team, who then contacted authorities.

Jackson then worked with the FBI  to get enough for arrests, thanks to e-mails and recording phone conversations.

Jackson, who is ordained minister, said the affair took place six years ago, while he was still a broadcaster with ESPN/ABC, and before his current work in his ministry, which he and his wife established three years ago.  

Mark Jackson

The Warriors issued a statement suporting Jackson, who has apologized for his indiscretion.