Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested in Miami over the weekend on multiple felony charges following a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson, raising serious questions about his future with the NFL team. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, led to Pearce fleeing police and crashing his car before being taken into custody.
According to Doral police, officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute between Pearce and Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks. Pearce allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle, initiating a police chase that ended when he crashed his car. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, facing charges including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding police.
Pearce posted a $20,500 bond on Sunday and was released, but he was given a pre-trial stay-away order from Jackson. The charges are severe, with aggravated battery carrying potential prison time, and the legal process is expected to unfold in the coming weeks. Pearce’s attorney, Jacob Nunez, stated that his client maintains his innocence and looks forward to cooperating with the investigation to uncover the truth.
The Falcons organization issued a brief statement acknowledging the arrest and indicating they are gathering more information, with no further comment on the open legal matter. This incident comes at a critical time for the team, which is undergoing significant changes in leadership after another losing season. New coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Ian Cunningham now face an additional challenge in managing Pearce’s situation.
Pearce, 22, was the Falcons’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, selected 26th overall after a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. He made an immediate impact, setting a franchise rookie record with 10.5 sacks and finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. His performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing 8-9 season that led to the firing of coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
The arrest adds complexity to the Falcons’ offseason plans, which already include decisions about veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and the recovery of starter Michael Penix Jr. from a knee injury. Team president Matt Ryan, along with Stefanski and Cunningham, must weigh Pearce’s legal issues against his on-field contributions, as his absence could weaken a defense that showed improvement last year.
Pearce and Jackson have a known relationship dating back to their time as student-athletes at the University of Tennessee. Jackson, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, attended the 2025 NFL draft to support Pearce, highlighting their close connection. This personal history adds a layer of context to the alleged dispute, though details remain scarce as the investigation continues.
Moving forward, Pearce’s legal case will proceed through the Florida courts, while the Falcons monitor the situation closely. The team may consider disciplinary actions or roster changes depending on the outcome. For now, Pearce’s future in the NFL hangs in the balance, with his career potentially at risk if convicted, and the Falcons must navigate this controversy as they aim to build a winning team for the first time since 2017.
