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James Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons, has been charged with three felonies by the Miami-Dade (Fla.) State Attorney following a Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Court documents revealed that Pearce was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting a police officer with violence toward his person, all of which constitute felonies.
A fourth charge of aggravated stalking was upgraded to a misdemeanor, while a charge of aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer was dropped.
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
Pearce, a finalist for defensive rookie of the year after a successful 2025 season with the Falcons, was arrested near Miami last month after allegedly fleeing officers and crashing his car following what police called a domestic violence incident with Jackson, the Los Angeles Sparks’ 2024 All-Rookie team honoree.
Jackson was the fourth overall pick in the WNBA draft out of Tennessee, and she experienced early success in her career.
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Pearce allegedly crashed into another vehicle driven by Jackson and struck a police officer as he tried to flee from law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint filed by 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 walking toward the Doral Police Department while Pearce followed her. Then, as she approached the police station, she alleged Pearce cut her off and hit her head.
An officer allegedly pointed a gun at Pearce once Doral authorities responded to the incident in an attempt to force him to the ground. However, he allegedly got in his car and left.
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 an injunction seeking 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 would kill me.”
Jackson also alleged that 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 the allegations have the power to shape a narrative, it is not a complete and 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 lawyers added.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after a game against the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, file)
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 be within 500 feet of his home or place of work or 100 feet of his vehicle.
Pearce played in all 17 games for the Falcons, accumulating 10½ sacks, 26 combined tackles and five passes defended.
