Falcons rookie linebacker arrested in Florida

Incident allegedly involved domestic dispute with WNBA player

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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James Pearce Jr., a rookie linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons, was arrested in Florida following an alleged domestic dispute with Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson.

Why it matters

Domestic violence allegations against professional athletes have come under increased scrutiny in recent years, with leagues and teams facing pressure to address such incidents swiftly and transparently.

The details

Details of the alleged incident between Pearce and Jackson remain limited, but police in Florida reported that Pearce was taken into custody and faces potential charges related to the dispute.

  • The incident occurred on February 9, 2026.

The players

James Pearce Jr.

A rookie linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons.

Rickea Jackson

A forward for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.

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What’s next

The Falcons and the NFL are expected to investigate the incident further and determine any potential disciplinary action for Pearce.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges professional sports leagues face in addressing allegations of domestic violence involving their players, and the need for clear policies and procedures to handle such sensitive situations.