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Falcons Player James Pearce Charged with Felonies After Incident with Ex-Girlfriend Rickea Jackson
Jackson filed for a protective order, saying Pearce threatened to kill her
Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:05pm
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Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce, a former University of Tennessee football star, was charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor in Miami-Dade County over a domestic incident on Feb. 7 involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson, a former Lady Vols star. Jackson filed a petition for protection against Pearce, saying "James will kill me" if the court doesn't intervene.
Why it matters
This case highlights the serious issue of domestic violence in professional sports and the need for stronger accountability and support systems to protect victims. It also raises questions about the league's response to such incidents and whether more can be done to address patterns of abuse.
The details
According to the police report, on Feb. 7, Jackson told police that Pearce followed her car in a white Lamborghini SUV, got out at a red light and tried to open her car door. Jackson drove away toward the police department, but Pearce followed, colliding with the rear of her car and then striking it head-on as she tried to get away. Doral police responded, but Pearce fled, striking an officer with his SUV before crashing and running on foot. He was later arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence, as well as a misdemeanor stalking charge.
- On Feb. 7, the incident involving Pearce and Jackson occurred in Doral, Florida.
- On March 12, the Florida State Attorney's office filed charges against Pearce.
- On March 11, Jackson filed a petition for protection against Pearce, saying "James will kill me" if the court doesn't intervene.
- A permanent injunction hearing is set for April 21.
The players
James Pearce
A 22-year-old defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons and former University of Tennessee football star, who was charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor over a domestic incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Rickea Jackson.
Rickea Jackson
A WNBA player for the Los Angeles Sparks and former Lady Vols star, who filed a petition for protection against Pearce, saying he threatened to kill her.
What they’re saying
“James will kill me,”
— Rickea Jackson (ESPN)
“Due to his obsessive, insecure, violent and aggressive behavior, ending the relationship has been difficult and I am afraid for my life. 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.”
— Rickea Jackson (ESPN)
What’s next
A permanent injunction hearing is set for April 21, where the court will decide on the protective order against Pearce.
The takeaway
This case highlights the urgent need for professional sports leagues to prioritize the safety and well-being of players' partners and ex-partners, and to implement stronger policies and support systems to address domestic violence incidents involving their athletes.
