Warriors Coach Mark Jackson confirms extortion attempt

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As reported by CBS Sports, head coach Mark Jackson has gone on-record and released a statement addressing an extortion attempt.

"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 Memphisa little over two weeks laterthe 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 agoprior to joining the Warriorswhen 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 Im proud of, but Im 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 agoincluding 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.Id like to thank everyonemy wife, my family, the entire Warriors organization and the FBIfor 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."

The Warriors have also released a statement in support of their coach:

"In response to media inquiries, Golden State Warriors Head Coach Mark Jackson today confirmed that he and his family were the victims of an extortion scheme attempting to blackmail them in exchange for money. The suspects were arrested on June 25 by the FBI.

Jackson informed the Warriors of the extortion scheme in late Aprilthree weeks after his first encounter with the extortionistand solicited help from the organization. At that point, Jackson and the Warriors immediately contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Although not condoning his previous actions that led to the extortion attempt, the Warriors fully support Coach Jackson during this time and thank law enforcement authorities and the FBI for their prompt assistance in helping Coach Jackson and his family.

Due to the fact that this is an ongoing legal matter, the Warriors will have no further comment at this time."

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