NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
A potential path has emerged to resolve Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr.’s legal saga. On Thursday, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist entered an intervention program that could allow him to avoid trial on multiple felony charges, his attorney, Yale Sanford, told ESPN.
Pearce is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing from police and resisting arrest, along with misdemeanor prosecution related to a February incident in Florida. The stalking charge stems from alleged events involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson.
Under the terms of the intervention program, Pearce is prohibited from having physical contact with Jackson and must undergo therapy. The program is overseen by a third party, not the NFL.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
Pearce is due in court early next month to finalize the details. Under Florida law, Jackson and the officials involved have the right to be consulted before the deal is finalized.
A spokesman for the attorney general’s office said Jackson and law enforcement were consulted and “all parties agreed” to intervening before trial as “the best way forward.”
NFL PUSHES RASHEE RICE FOR VIOLATING LEAGUE POLICY AFTER INVESTIGATION OF EX-GIRLFRIEND’S ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE
The assistant state’s attorney on the case said Pearce’s status as a first-time offender was taken into account, adding that “it appears this incident was borne out of a mental health crisis.” Pearce does not have a history of violence.
Pearce must continue treatment, submit to random drug tests and follow the NFL’s testing protocol. Any failed or missed test could cost him his place in the pretrial intervention program, and he must also write a letter of apology to law enforcement, the spokesman added.
The team declined to comment on the latest development, citing the ongoing legal case, ESPN reported. Attorneys for Jackson could not immediately be reached for comment.
Pearce is accused of crashing his luxury SUV into a vehicle driven by Jackson on February 7 in Doral, Florida. He then allegedly fled from the police when they tried to arrest him.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. being interviewed after an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints in Atlanta on January 4, 2026. (Danny Karnik/AP)
Pearce allegedly tailed Jackson and repeatedly hit her vehicle as she drove toward the Doral police station. He spent a night in jail before being released the next day on $20,500 bail.
In February, Jackson told the court she was willing to testify.
The court granted the protection request and scheduled a hearing for May 21 on a permanent injunction. The order prohibits Pearce from contacting Jackson who comes within 500 feet of her home or workplace, or within 100 feet of her vehicle.
Rickea Jackson said she is willing to testify against James Pearce Jr. after an alleged domestic dispute. (Andrew J. Clark/Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
After reaching an agreement, Pearce’s lawyers said the outcome allows him to move forward without further legal action.
“This resolution allows the case to be fully addressed and resolved without further litigation, and he is committed to fulfilling all conditions. James is focused on moving forward, joining his teammates and the Atlanta Falcons organization as a whole, performing at the highest level and continuing to be a team player on and off the field,” the statement read.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Also Thursday, an NFL spokesman confirmed that the league has been “closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”
Pearce set the Falcons’ rookie record with 10.5 last season. The Los Angeles Sparks traded Jackson to the Chicago Sky earlier this month.
