- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Falcons' James Pearce Jr. charged with 3 felonies after alleged incident involving WNBA's Rickea Jackson
Pearce accused of crashing into Jackson's car, fleeing police, and resisting arrest in alleged domestic violence incident
Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:52am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round draft pick, was charged with three felonies by the Miami-Dade (Florida) State Attorney from a February 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Court documents reveal Pearce was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence. Jackson has since filed for a protective order, claiming Pearce threatened to kill her.
Why it matters
This case highlights the serious legal issues professional athletes can face when accused of domestic violence, with potential impacts on their careers and personal lives. It also raises concerns about athlete behavior and accountability, as well as the challenges WNBA players may face in seeking protection from abuse.
The details
Pearce is alleged to have crashed his car into Jackson's vehicle and struck a police officer while trying to flee law enforcement. Jackson told police Pearce was following her, tried to open her car door at a red light, and then cut her off and collided with her head-on as she drove toward a police station. After the crash, an officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce, but he allegedly got back in his car and drove away before being arrested.
- On February 7, the alleged incident between Pearce and Jackson occurred.
- Pearce was arrested near Miami on February 7 and spent a night in jail before posting bond on February 8.
- Jackson filed for a protective order against Pearce, which was initially granted, with a permanent injunction hearing scheduled for April 21.
The players
James Pearce Jr.
A 2025 first-round draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons, who was charged with three felonies related to an alleged incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Rickea Jackson
A 2024 WNBA All-Rookie team honoree with the Los Angeles Sparks, who has filed for a protective order against Pearce claiming he threatened to kill her.
Doral Police Department
The police department that responded to the incident between Pearce and Jackson and arrested Pearce.
What they’re saying
“We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well.”
— Pearce's attorneys (ESPN)
“if the court didn't intervene, 'James will kill me'.”
— Rickea Jackson (Court documents)
What’s next
A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21 after the court initially granted Jackson's request for a protective order against Pearce.
The takeaway
This case highlights the serious legal consequences professional athletes can face when accused of domestic violence, as well as the challenges WNBA players may encounter in seeking protection from abuse. It underscores the need for greater accountability and support systems to address these issues in professional sports.
