James Pearce Jr arrest: WNBA girlfriend ‘willing to testify’ against NFL player
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WNBA player Rickea Jackson, the alleged victim of a domestic violence incident involving Atlanta Falcons player James Pearce Jr., said she is “ready to testify” if necessary.
Rising star Pearce, who nearly won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award, was arrested near Miami on Saturday for allegedly running from officers and crashing his car following what police said was a domestic dispute with Jackson.
Jackson’s attorneys asked the court to conclude the case “as quickly as possible and bring justice to him and the people of the State of Florida using “all possible resources and personnel,” the documents said. via ESPN.
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Rickea Jackson recently married James Pearce Jr. following an alleged domestic dispute. He said he was “willing to testify” against her. (Andrew J. Clark, Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“The victim implores the court and the state to immediately conclude this matter without hindering the effectiveness of the prosecution’s case,” the lawyers said. he wrote.
Pearce faces multiple felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated harassment and fleeing or evading police.
Pearce allegedly crashed his vehicle into another car driven by his girlfriend and hit a police officer while trying to evade law enforcement. ESPN reportedciting a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dade County state’s attorney’s office.
The alleged victim told police he noticed Pearce following him in a white luxury vehicle and tried to open the NFL player’s vehicle when he stopped at a red light. The victim said he began driving toward the Doral Police Department as Pearce allegedly followed him. He said that as he approached the station Pearce blocked his path and hit him head on.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) is interviewed after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on January 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
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doral police officers According to ESPN’s report, intervention was made at the scene. An officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce to force him to the ground and end the incident, but Pearce allegedly got in his car and drove away. He allegedly hit a police officer as he walked away.
Pearce then crashed his vehicle and was charged with resisting arrest.
Pearce’s attorneys said the Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate “maintains his innocence and wants the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, this is not the full and complete story.”
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) warms up before his game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
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“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.
Pearce posted $20,000 bail. He finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and was at the NFL Honors Ceremony in California on Thursday night.
Jackson, a member of the Los Angeles Sparks, finished ninth in MVP voting last season after averaging 14.7 points, a new career high.
Ryan Gaydos of Fox News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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