Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. received an eight-game suspension from the NFL for his Feb. 7 arrest following a domestic dispute with then-girlfriend Rickea Jackson, according to ESPN. Pearce was initially charged with three felonies: Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person. A felony aggravated stalking charge was changed to a misdemeanor, while a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped.
Jackson told police she noticed Pearce following her vehicle in a white Lamborghini SUV, according to the criminal complaint, obtained by ESPN. When stopped at a red light, Pearce exited his car and attempted to open the driver's side door of her vehicle. Jackson sped away, while Pearce went back to his vehicle and pursued her.
Jackson began to head towards the Doral Police Department, and she told police during the drive that Pearce "intentionally collided into the rear of her vehicle." He eventually cut her off with his SUV and hit her car head-on. When police arrived on the scene, they observed Pearce standing outside of his SUV with the door open. An officer drew his firearm and ordered Pearce to the ground.
The 22-year-old instead got back in his vehicle, locked it, and after a short time, drove away. Police pursued Pearce, who eventually crashed his vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit, Pearce was apprehended.
Authorities say he "began to resist arrest by tensing his arms and not allowing officers to apprehend him." Pearce's legal team said in a March statement released to ESPN that he "maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, it is hardly the full, complete story." Despite the dramatic situation, Pearce's legal team struck an agreement where if he completed a pre-trial intervention program and stayed out of trouble for six months, all charges would be dismissed. Jackson and the police officers involved in the case agreed to this resolution. While Pearce is on track to avoid prison time, his infraction still violated the NFL's personal conduct policy and resulted in his suspension.
The Falcons front office was aggressive during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting former Georgia pass rusher Jalon Walker at No. 15 overall, then trading back into the first round for Pearce at No. 26 overall. Atlanta won't have either player to begin the season. Walker, who recorded 36 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a rookie, tore his ACL in training camp and will miss the entire 2026 season.
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