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Falcons' James Pearce Jr. Charged with 3 Felonies After Alleged Incident Involving WNBA's Rickea Jackson
The 2025 first-round pick faces charges including aggravated battery and fleeing police after a reported domestic dispute.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:52am
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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 Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Court documents revealed Pearce was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence.
Why it matters
The charges against Pearce, a rising star in the NFL, raise concerns about player conduct and accountability, especially in cases involving alleged domestic violence. The incident also highlights the challenges WNBA players can face off the court, as Jackson has since filed for a protective order against Pearce.
The details
Pearce is alleged to have crashed his car into another vehicle being driven by Jackson and struck a police officer while he tried 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. After crashing, Pearce is accused of resisting arrest.
- The incident occurred on February 7, 2026.
- Pearce was arrested near Miami on February 7 and spent a night in jail before posting bond on February 8.
- 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 WNBA player with the Los Angeles Sparks who was involved in the alleged incident with Pearce and has since filed for a protective order against him.
What’s next
A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2026, where the court will determine if the protective order against Pearce should be made permanent.
The takeaway
This case highlights the serious consequences professional athletes can face for alleged misconduct, especially in cases involving domestic violence. It also underscores the challenges WNBA players can encounter off the court and the importance of accountability and player conduct policies in professional sports.
