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Atlanta Falcons running back James Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round pick, was charged with three felonies by the Miami-Dade (Florida) state attorney for a Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Court documents revealed that Pearce was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his person, all of which are felonies.
A fourth charge of aggravated harassment was changed to a misdemeanor, while a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer was dropped.
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Image Images)
Pearce, a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year after a successful 2025 season with the Falcons, was arrested near Miami last month after allegedly fleeing from officers and crashing his car following what police called a domestic violence incident with Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie team honoree with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Jackson was the fourth overall pick in the WNBA Draft out of Tennessee and has had success early in her career.
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Pearce allegedly crashed his car into another vehicle driven by Jackson and struck a police officer while trying to flee from police, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dad State Attorney’s office.
Jackson told police she noticed Pearce following her in a white luxury vehicle, and when he stopped at a red light, the Falcons rookie tried to open his car. Jackson said she began driving toward the Doral Police Department while Pearce allegedly followed her. Then, as she approached the police station, she alleged Pearce cut her off and bumped into her head.
An officer reportedly pointed a gun at Pearce once Doral authorities responded to the incident in an attempt to force him to the ground. However, he allegedly got back into his car and drove off.
After crashing his vehicle and being charged with resisting arrest, Pearce spent a night in jail before posting $20,500 bail and being released on February 8.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Jackson has since filed a protective order against Pearce in Miami-Dade County. He wrote that he feared for his life and that if the court did not intervene, “James will kill me.”
Jackson also alleged that Pearce’s prior verbal and physical abuse occurred “on more than one occasion.” She claimed he threatened to kill, harm and injure her, according to court documents.
Pearce’s lawyers said last month that their client “maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while the allegations have the power to shape a narrative, they are not the whole story.”
“We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue to positively contribute to both his team and the community he serves so well,” the attorneys added at the time.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after a game against the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21 after the court initially granted Jackson his request for protection. Pearce is not allowed to have contact with Jackson or be within 500 feet of his home or workplace or 100 feet of his vehicle.
Pearce played in all 17 games for the Falcons, collecting 10½ sacks, 26 combined tackles and five passes defensed.
