Sparks' Rickea Jackson alleges Falcons' James Pearce Jr. threatened her life

Jackson filed for a temporary protective order against her ex-boyfriend Pearce after he allegedly crashed his car into hers multiple times.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson has filed for a temporary protective order against her ex-boyfriend, Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., alleging that he threatened to kill her and physically abused her on multiple occasions. Jackson claims Pearce crashed his vehicle into hers several times in Doral, Florida on February 7th, and that he later hit a police officer with his car and fled the scene before being arrested.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of domestic violence and stalking in professional sports, where high-profile athletes sometimes abuse their power and status. It also raises questions about the league's response to such allegations and whether more can be done to protect victims.

The details

According to the reports, Jackson's statement to the court said that Pearce "has threatened to kill me, James has threatened to harm me, James has threatened to injure me, James has threatened to place a bag over my head, and James has verbally and physically abused me on more than one occasion." Jackson also alleged that Pearce offered her money - $75,000 for a visit or $200,000 "to remain in a relationship with him" - just before the February 7th car confrontation. Pearce was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.

  • On February 7, 2026, Pearce reportedly crashed his vehicle into Jackson's several times in Doral, Florida.
  • Pearce was later arrested on suspicion of multiple charges related to the incident.
  • A hearing regarding a permanent injunction is slated for April 21, 2026.

The players

Rickea Jackson

A 24-year-old forward for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, who was a first-round draft pick in 2024 and finished 9th in WNBA MVP voting last year.

James Pearce Jr.

A 22-year-old edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL, who was a first-round draft pick in 2025 and finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

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What they’re saying

“James has threatened to kill me, James has threatened to harm me, James has threatened to injure me, James has threatened to place a bag over my head, and James has verbally and physically abused me on more than one occasion.”

— Rickea Jackson (ESPN, TMZ)

What’s next

A hearing regarding a permanent injunction against Pearce is slated for April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for professional sports leagues to have stronger policies and procedures in place to address domestic violence allegations against their players, in order to protect victims and hold abusers accountable.