Atlanta Falcons Rookie James Pearce Jr. Arrested Following Domestic Incident with WNBA Star Rickea Jackson
In a startling development over the weekend, the Atlanta Falcons organization was rocked by the arrest of rookie linebacker James Pearce Jr. in Miami-Dade County. The 22-year-old NFL prospect was taken into custody following what authorities described as a domestic altercation involving Los Angeles Sparks WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
According to ESPN and TMZ Sports reports, police responded to complaints of a domestic dispute between a man and a woman in Doral, Florida on Saturday, February 7. Upon arrival, authorities identified the individuals as Pearce and Jackson, both of whom had publicly acknowledged their relationship within the past year.
Police records indicate that Pearce allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle when officers attempted to intervene, sparking a high-speed pursuit across Miami-Dade County. The chase concluded when Pearce crashed his car near Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street.
The young linebacker now faces severe legal consequences, including:
- Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
- One count of aggravated stalking
- One count of evading or avoiding police with lights or sirens
Authorities have revealed that Pearce allegedly struck a police officer during the pursuit. As of Sunday, no bond had been set for the rookie, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
Relationship History and Recent Developments
Pearce and Jackson's relationship traces back to their time together at the University of Tennessee. Their connection became public knowledge during the 2024 NFL Draft when Jackson appeared alongside Pearce and his family as the Falcons selected him with the 26th overall pick.
However, the relationship appears to have deteriorated in recent months. Jackson announced on her Snapchat account last October that she was no longer in a relationship, though the exact timeline of their separation remains unclear.
Falcons Organization Responds
The Atlanta Falcons issued a brief statement addressing the situation: "We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time."
The team's cautious response reflects the sensitivity of the situation as they await more details about the incident that has suddenly cast uncertainty over one of their most promising defensive acquisitions.
League Implications and Future Concerns
This arrest creates significant complications for both the NFL and WNBA, raising questions about:
- Pearce's immediate future with the Atlanta Falcons
- Potential league disciplinary actions
- The impact on Jackson's WNBA career with the Los Angeles Sparks
- Legal proceedings that could extend for months
The incident has generated widespread concern across the sports community, particularly regarding how professional leagues handle domestic violence allegations involving their athletes. Pearce's arrest represents a dramatic turn for a player whose professional career was just beginning, with his on-field potential now overshadowed by serious legal troubles.
As the legal process unfolds, both the Falcons and Sparks organizations will need to navigate the complex intersection of professional sports, personal conduct, and legal accountability. The case serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly promising careers can be derailed by off-field incidents.
