Falcons' James Pearce Jr. arrested after domestic dispute with Sparks star Rickea Jackson

Pearce charged with aggravated battery, stalking, and fleeing police after alleged incident in Florida

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday following a reported domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks. Pearce was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding police. The incident occurred in Doral, Florida, where police responded to a reported dispute between a male and female before Pearce allegedly fled the scene and crashed his vehicle during a police chase.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about domestic violence in professional sports and the need for stronger policies and support systems to address such issues. It also highlights the challenges athletes can face balancing their personal and professional lives in the public eye.

The details

According to reports, police initially responded to a domestic dispute between Pearce and Jackson in Doral, Florida. Pearce then allegedly fled the scene, leading to a police chase that ended when he crashed his vehicle. He was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding police.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • Pearce was arrested and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on the same day.

The players

James Pearce Jr.

A 23-year-old linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons who was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Rickea Jackson

A 24-year-old WNBA player for the Los Angeles Sparks who was drafted 4th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

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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 (NFL Network)

What’s next

Pearce's bond has not yet been set, and the Falcons have stated they are gathering more information about the incident before commenting further.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in professional sports and the need for leagues, teams, and law enforcement to have robust policies and support systems in place to address such incidents swiftly and appropriately. It also underscores the challenges athletes can face balancing their personal and professional lives in the public eye.