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Falcons Linebacker Charged After Alleged Crash, Assault
James Pearce Jr. faces five felony charges over incident involving WNBA star's vehicle
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday and charged with five felony counts, including allegations that he struck a police officer and crashed into a vehicle driven by WNBA star Chennedy Jackson.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns about player conduct and accountability, especially for high-profile athletes. It also highlights the broader issue of athlete-law enforcement interactions and the need for improved training and de-escalation tactics.
The details
According to police, Pearce allegedly attempted to evade officers before striking one and then crashing into Jackson's vehicle. The WNBA player was not injured in the incident. Pearce faces charges including aggravated assault on a police officer, fleeing/attempting to elude, and reckless driving.
- The incident occurred on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
The players
James Pearce Jr.
A linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons who was arrested and charged with five felonies following an alleged incident involving a police officer and WNBA player Chennedy Jackson.
Chennedy Jackson
A WNBA player whose vehicle was allegedly struck by Pearce during the incident, though she was not injured.
What they’re saying
“We take these allegations very seriously and are gathering more information. The player has been suspended pending further investigation.”
— Arthur Blank, Owner, Atlanta Falcons (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
What’s next
The Falcons organization has stated they will conduct a full investigation into the incident. Pearce is expected to appear in court next week to face the charges.
The takeaway
This case highlights the need for professional sports leagues and teams to have clear policies and procedures in place to address player misconduct, as well as the importance of building stronger relationships between athletes and law enforcement to prevent such incidents from occurring.
