Falcons player charged in domestic violence incident with WNBA star
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Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 first-round pick James Pearce Jr. has been charged with three felonies by the Miami-Dade (Florida) State’s Attorney for a February 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Court documents revealed Pearce was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and evading police, and resisting an officer with violence to the person; These are all serious crimes.
A fourth charge of aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor, while a charge of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer was also dropped.
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before his game against the New England Patriots on November 2, 2025 at Gillette Stadium. (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 running from officers and crashing into her 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 found success early in her career.
WNBA PLAYER ‘WANTS TO TESTIFY’ AGAINST EX-BOYFRIEND JAMES PEARCE JR AFTER ALLEGED DOMESTIC DISPUTE
ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dad State’s Attorney’s Office, that Pearce claimed he crashed his car into another vehicle driven by Jackson and hit a police officer while trying to evade law enforcement.
Jackson told police he noticed Pearce following him in a white luxury vehicle and tried to open the Falcons rookie’s car when he stopped at a red light. Jackson said he began heading toward the Doral Police Department while Pearce allegedly followed him. He later claimed that as he approached the police station Pearce blocked his path and hit him in the head.
Doral authorities intervened and an officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce in an attempt to force him to the ground. However, he allegedly got in 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 applied for injunction to obtain a protective order against Pearce in Miami-Dade County. She wrote that she feared for her life and that if the court did not intervene, “James will kill me.”
Jackson also alleged that Pearce had previously been verbally and physically abusive “on multiple occasions.” 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 wants the public to understand that while the allegations have the power to shape a narrative, this is not the full and complete story.”
“We look forward to vigorously defending our client and are 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)
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A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21 after the court initially granted Jackson’s request for protection. Pearce is not allowed to have contact with Jackson or come within 150 meters of his home or workplace or 30 meters of his vehicle.
Pearce played all 17 games for the Falcons, collecting 10½ sacks, making 26 combined tackles and five passes defended.
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