Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday night near Miami after fleeing police and crashing his vehicle, authorities said, following a reported domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Doral police responded to a call about a dispute between a man and a woman before Pearce allegedly attempted to evade officers. He was taken into custody and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. According to jail records, Pearce faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren. Bond for all charges had not been set immediately.
The Falcons released a brief statement acknowledging the incident. “We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the team said. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
WPLG TV in Miami reported that Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed the dispute involved Pearce and Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. Jackson, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, averaged 14.7 points in 38 games last season, including 37 starts. She played collegiately at Tennessee and Mississippi State.
Pearce, a 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from Tennessee, emerged as one of the Falcons’ standout rookies last season. He led the team with 10½ sacks and set a rookie record with 45 quarterback pressures. He also recorded 26 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, and contributed to a forced fumble and a fumble recovery while playing in all 17 games. His performance placed him third in voting for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Falcons ended the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, prompting the firings of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Kevin Stefanski was hired as the new head coach, with Ian Cunningham stepping in as general manager.
Pearce’s arrest comes at a sensitive time for the franchise as it seeks to rebuild around its young talent and newly appointed leadership. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the Falcons have not indicated whether the incident will impact Pearce’s participation in upcoming team activities or the 2026 season.
The case adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding professional athletes’ off-field conduct, highlighting the potential personal and professional consequences of legal issues for high-profile players.
