WNBA Star Rickea Jackson Files Order of Protection Against Falcons' James Pearce Jr.

Jackson claims ex-boyfriend Pearce threatened to 'kill me' and she was in 'fear of my life'

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:41pm

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WNBA star Rickea Jackson has filed a petition for protection against her ex-boyfriend, Falcons first-round pick James Pearce Jr., after she says he verbally and physically abused her, threatened to kill her, and crashed his car into hers multiple times. Jackson alleges Pearce believed she was cheating on him and the abuse escalated after their breakup, leaving her in 'fear of my life'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of domestic violence in professional sports and the challenges athletes can face in abusive relationships. It also raises questions about how teams and leagues handle such allegations against their players.

The details

According to court documents, Jackson filed a petition for injunction for protection against dating violence after Pearce allegedly crashed his white Lamborghini SUV into her car twice. Jackson wrote that Pearce 'verbally and physically abused me on more than one occasion' and threatened to 'kill, harm and injure her', including by putting a bag over her head. The incident on February 7th allegedly involved Pearce blocking Jackson's car, attempting to enter the vehicle, and then hitting her car multiple times and running her off the road.

  • On January 28, police responded to an incident where Pearce allegedly pulled Jackson's hair and took her possessions.
  • On February 7, the alleged car crash incident occurred.

The players

Rickea Jackson

A WNBA star who plays for the Sparks and has filed a petition for protection against her ex-boyfriend, Falcons player James Pearce Jr.

James Pearce Jr.

A first-round draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons who is facing five felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, following the alleged domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend Rickea Jackson.

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What they’re saying

“James did not listen to my request and instead went on a campaign of threats, physical assaults and abuse against me.”

— Rickea Jackson, WNBA Player

What’s next

A permanent injunction hearing for the order of protection filed by Rickea Jackson against James Pearce Jr. is reportedly set for April 21.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious issue of domestic violence in professional sports and the challenges athletes can face in abusive relationships. It also raises questions about how teams and leagues should handle such allegations against their players to protect the safety of all involved.