Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. was arrested near Miami following a domestic dispute on Saturday night. The incident involved Pearce and WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Reports indicate that Pearce fled from police, ultimately crashing his vehicle.
Details of the Arrest
Pearce was taken into custody and booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He faces several serious charges:
- Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
- Aggravated stalking
- Fleeing or eluding police with sirens or lights
No bond has been set for these charges as of now. The Atlanta Falcons organization has acknowledged the situation, stating they are gathering information and will refrain from further comments on the ongoing legal matter.
Background Information
The dispute reportedly involved Rickea Jackson, a forward for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. She was selected as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. In the 2025 season, Jackson averaged 14.7 points over 38 games, with 37 starts.
James Pearce Jr. was drafted in the 2025 NFL draft as the No. 26 overall pick. He made an immediate impact as an edge rusher for the Falcons, leading the team in sacks with 10.5. He also set a rookie record with 45 quarterback pressures during his first season, contributing 26 tackles and 16 quarterback hits. Pearce was recognized as one of the top defensive rookies, finishing third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
