NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round pick, was charged with three felonies by the Miami-Dade (Florida) State Attorney from a Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Court documents revealed that Pearce was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with battery against his or her person, all of which are felonies.
A fourth charge of aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor, while a charge of aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer was dropped.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
Pearce, a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist after a successful 2025 season with the Falcons, was arrested near Miami last month after allegedly fleeing from officers and crashing his car following what police called a domestic violence incident with Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie team honoree with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Jackson was the fourth overall pick in the WNBA Draft out of Tennessee and has had early success in her career.
WNBA PLAYER ‘WILING TO TESTIFY’ AGAINST EX-BOYFRIEND JAMES PEARCE JR AFTER ALLEGED DOMESTIC DISPUTE
Pearce is said to have crashed his car into another vehicle driven by Jackson and hit a police officer while trying to flee from law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dad State Attorney’s office.
Jackson told police she noticed Pearce following her in a white luxury vehicle and when she stopped at a red light, the Falcons rookie tried to open her car. Jackson said she began driving toward the Doral Police Department while Pearce allegedly followed her. Then, as she got closer to the police station, she alleged Pearce cut her off and head-butted her.
An officer allegedly pulled a gun on Pearce when authorities in Doral responded to the incident in an attempt to force him to the ground. However, he allegedly got back into his car and drove away.
After crashing his vehicle and being charged with resisting arrest, Pearce spent a night in jail before posting $20,500 bail and being released on February 8.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Jackson has since filed a restraining order against Pearce in Miami-Dade County. She wrote that she was in fear of her life and if the court did not intervene, “James will kill me.”
Jackson also alleged that prior verbal and physical abuse by Pearce occurred “on more than one occasion.” She claimed he threatened to kill, harm and injure her, according to court documents.
Pearce’s lawyers said last month that their client “maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, they are hardly the full, complete story.”
“We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue to contribute positively to both his team and the community he serves so well,” the attorneys added at the time.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after a game against the New Orleans Saints on January 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21 after the court initially granted Jackson her request for protection. Pearce must not have contact with Jackson or be within 500 feet of her home or workplace or 100 feet from her vehicle.
Pearce played in all 17 games for the Falcons and had 10½ sacks, 26 combined tackles and five passes defensed.
