Falcons' James Pearce Jr. Facing Felony Charges After Domestic Dispute with WNBA Star

Pearce Jr. arrested on charges including aggravated battery, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police after alleged incident with Los Angeles Sparks' Rickea Jackson.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Atlanta Falcons pass rusher and first-round draft pick James Pearce Jr. was arrested near Miami on Saturday on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police after allegedly leading police on a chase before crashing his vehicle. The police pursuit began after a reported domestic dispute involving Pearce and WNBA star Rickea Jackson.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about Pearce's off-field behavior and judgment, which had previously caused some NFL teams to remove him from their draft boards. As a high draft pick, Pearce's actions could have significant implications for the Falcons organization and his future in the league.

The details

According to police, the incident began with a domestic dispute between Pearce and Jackson. Pearce then allegedly fled from police, leading them on a chase that ended in a crash. He was charged with aggravated battery, aggravated stalking, fleeing police, and resisting arrest.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • Pearce was in San Francisco on Thursday, February 6, 2026 to attend the pre-Super Bowl NFL Honors, where he finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

The players

James Pearce Jr.

A 22-year-old pass rusher for the Atlanta Falcons who was a first-round draft pick in 2025. He led all rookies with 10.5 sacks this past season.

Rickea Jackson

A star player for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA who previously played with Pearce at the University of Tennessee.

Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez

The police chief who provided details about the incident and arrest of Pearce.

Atlanta Falcons

The NFL team that drafted Pearce in the first round in 2025 and released a statement about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow Pearce Jr. out on bail as the legal process continues.

The takeaway

This incident raises serious concerns about Pearce's off-field behavior and judgment, which had previously caused some NFL teams to remove him from their draft boards. As a high draft pick, his actions could have significant implications for the Falcons organization and his future in the league.