Falcons DE James Pearce Jr. Arrested After Multiple 911 Calls from Ex-Girlfriend

Police responded to 7 calls from Rickea Jackson before Pearce's arrest for allegedly ramming her car and fleeing police

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. was arrested on February 7 in Doral, Florida, following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson. In the weeks leading up to Pearce's arrest, police had responded to seven 911 calls from Jackson reporting that she was being stalked and harassed by Pearce.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of domestic violence in professional sports and the need for stronger policies and support systems to protect victims. It also raises questions about the handling of such cases by law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

The details

According to the report, on January 13, police told Pearce to stay away from Jackson's home after officers were repeatedly dispatched to the residence between November and the day of Pearce's arrest. On January 28, Jackson identified Pearce as the subject of a domestic disturbance complaint, and he allegedly attempted to enter the home he shared with Jackson, who was 'in fear' after Pearce allegedly damaged the door. On February 2, a security guard notified police that Pearce had been stalking his client. Five days later, Pearce allegedly followed Jackson's car, tried to open her door at a red light, and then crashed into her car twice in an attempt to keep her from contacting the police. When police arrived, Pearce fled the scene, leading to a chase and his eventual arrest.

  • On November 24 around 11 p.m. ET, one day after the Falcons played in New Orleans, police responded to a domestic disturbance call in which Jackson said Pearce 'came to her residence, knocked on the door and called a landline 'various times.'
  • On January 13, police told Pearce to stay away from the home of the woman described as his ex-girlfriend after officers were repeatedly dispatched to the Doral residence between November and the day of Pearce's arrest.
  • On January 28, the woman, now identified as Jackson, identified Pearce as the subject of a domestic disturbance complaint.
  • On February 2, police were notified by a security guard that Pearce had been stalking his client.
  • On February 7, the incident took place in which Pearce followed Jackson's car and tried to open her car door at a red light.

The players

James Pearce Jr.

A defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons who was arrested on February 7 in Doral, Florida, following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, Rickea Jackson.

Rickea Jackson

A forward for the Los Angeles Sparks who was the victim of multiple incidents of stalking and harassment by her ex-boyfriend, James Pearce Jr.

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What they’re saying

“We must take domestic violence in professional sports seriously and ensure that victims are protected and perpetrators are held accountable.”

— Brian McCarthy, NFL Spokesperson (ESPN)

What’s next

Pearce's arrest is being reviewed under the NFL's personal conduct policy, and he could face additional discipline from the league.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger policies and support systems to address domestic violence in professional sports, where high-profile athletes often face minimal consequences for their actions. It also underscores the importance of law enforcement taking reports of stalking and harassment seriously and responding promptly to protect victims.