NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
A potential path has emerged to resolve the legal saga of Atlanta Falcons passer James Pearce Jr.. On Thursday, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist was cleared to participate in an intervention program that could allow him to avoid trial on several criminal charges, his lawyer, Yale Sanford, told ESPN.
Pearce faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, as well as misdemeanor stalking 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 not allowed to have physical contact with Jackson and must undergo therapy. The program is overseen by a third party and not the NFL.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
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 will appear in court early next month to finalize details. Under Florida law, Jackson and the officers involved have the right to be consulted before the deal is finalized.
The state’s attorney’s spokesperson said Jackson and law enforcement officials were consulted and “all parties agreed” to pretrial intervention as “the best path forward.”
NFL clears RASHEE RICE of league policy violations after investigation into ex-girlfriend’s abuse allegations
The assistant prosecutor in the case said Pearce’s status as a first-time offender was taken into consideration, adding that “it appears this incident was due to a mental health crisis.” Pearce has no history of violence.
Pearce must continue treatment, submit to random drug testing and follow NFL testing protocol. Any failed or missed tests could cost him his place in the pretrial intervention program, and he will also have to write a letter of apology to law enforcement, the spokesperson added.
The team declined to comment on the latest developments, citing the ongoing legal issue, ESPN reported. Jackson’s attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment.
Pearce is accused of ramming his luxury SUV into a vehicle driven by Jackson on February 7 in Doral, Florida. He then allegedly fled from the police as they attempted to arrest him.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints in Atlanta on January 4, 2026. (Danny Karnik/AP)
Pearce allegedly followed Jackson and repeatedly struck her vehicle as she headed toward the Doral police station. He spent one night in jail before being released the next day on $20,500 bail.
In February, Jackson told the court she was prepared to testify.
The court granted the request for protection and scheduled a May 21 hearing on a permanent injunction. The order prohibits Pearce from contacting Jackson within 500 feet of his home or place of work, or within 100 feet of his vehicle.
Rickea Jackson said she is prepared to testify against James Pearce Jr. following an alleged domestic dispute. (Andrew J. Clark/Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
After reaching a deal, Pearce’s lawyers said the outcome allowed him to move forward without further legal action.
“This resolution allows the matter to be addressed and fully resolved without further litigation, and he commits to fulfilling all conditions. James is focused on moving forward, returning 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 PK Press Club APP
Also Thursday, an NFL spokesperson confirmed that the league is “closely monitoring all developments in this matter, which remains under review of its Personal Conduct Policy.”
Pearce set the Falcons’ rookie sack record with 10.5 last season. The Los Angeles Sparks traded Jackson to the Chicago Sky earlier this month.
