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Falcons' James Pearce Jr. Charged with 3 Felonies After Alleged Incident Involving WNBA's Rickea Jackson
Pearce, a 2025 first-round pick, faces charges including aggravated battery and fleeing police after an alleged domestic dispute with Jackson.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:10am
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Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round pick, was charged with three felonies by the Miami-Dade (Florida) State Attorney from a February 7th incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson. The charges include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence.
Why it matters
This case highlights the serious legal issues professional athletes can face, especially those involving alleged domestic violence. It also raises questions about player conduct policies and the league's response to such incidents.
The details
According to court documents, Pearce is alleged to have crashed his car into another vehicle being driven by Jackson and struck a police officer while trying to flee law enforcement. Jackson told police Pearce was following her and tried to open her car at a red light before she drove toward a police station, where Pearce then allegedly cut her off and collided with her head-on.
- The incident occurred on February 7, 2026.
- Pearce was arrested near Miami and spent a night in jail before posting a $20,500 bond on February 8, 2026.
- A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2026.
The players
James Pearce Jr.
A 2025 first-round draft pick of 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 was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute with 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
“James will kill me.”
— Rickea Jackson
What’s next
A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2026 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 for alleged misconduct, especially those involving domestic violence. It also underscores the importance of player conduct policies and the leagues' responses to such incidents.
