Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. jailed

https://www.local10.com/news/local/2026/...ent=wplg10

DORAL, Fla. — NFL star linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday after fleeing a domestic dispute and crashing his vehicle during a police chase, according to Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez.

Officers were initially dispatched to DPD headquarters for a reported dispute between a male and female.

Police said Pearce, 22, fled the scene and later crashed at Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street before being placed in handcuffs.

Lopez confirmed with Local 10 News that the woman in the dispute was WNBA star Rickea Jackson.

Jail records show Pearce is facing charges two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and one count each of aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren.

Pearce was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with his bond yet to be set.

He was picked in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the runner-up for Defensive rookie of the year.

Pearce had 10.5 sacks during his rookie year, the most by a Falcons rookie since Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys) in 2021.

Local 10 News has requested his arrest report from DPD, and no other information was immediately released.

The Falcons released a statement saying:

“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”

Was at the NFL rewards on Thurs night.

Victim a WNBA player and then a police chase.  This sounds like it could be serious.

Hope is victim, Rickea Jackson, is ok.

SMH… 
“Battery” sounds like a typical ‘slap-fight’ or  ‘fistfight’ or someone throwing punches. Then add in the “aggravated” account with the weapon and it’s a lot more serious. WNBA women are not easy targets (typically), so we don’t really know what precipitated this event. But one thing is certain, an NFL linebacker should NOT be slapping, hitting, punching, or threatening ANYONE with or without a weapon, especially not a woman. I certainly hope Ms Jackson is OK and not  badly hurt.

As far as James Pearce is concerned, I hate that he is involved — but I suspect this will be a learning moment for him. It will undoubtedly cost him greatly.  Fines, SUSPENSION..???  Maybe a LONG suspension, a whole year possibly..?? Who knows….. Much depends on Ms Jackson and what happens moving forward. This is serious.

....two felony counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and a felony count of aggravated stalking. Other charges include fleeing and eluding police officers and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer -- also felonies -- and a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence to his person.

He just piled it on looks like.

Plus...maybe some warning signs...

Unnamed NFC executive on Pearce just back at draft time, via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler: "What concerns me is they gave up a first-rounder for a player with character concerns."


Fowler added that Pearce was "off multiple team's draft boards because of maturity concerns," according to a source.

https://www.draftsharks.com/fantasy-foot...re-at-risk

....two felony counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and a felony count of aggravated stalking. Other charges include fleeing and eluding police officers and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer -- also felonies -- and a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence to his person.

He just piled it on looks like.

Plus...maybe some warning signs...

Unnamed NFC executive on Pearce just back at draft time, via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler: "What concerns me is they gave up a first-rounder for a player with character concerns."


Fowler added that Pearce was "off multiple team's draft boards because of maturity concerns," according to a source.

https://www.draftsharks.com/fantasy-foot...re-at-risk

Yep… That sounds about right. He has a LOT of growing up to do. This may be his ultimate downfall. He’ll be well represented with counsel and may escape severe punishment. I sincerely hope he gets what he deserves.
Whatever that is…..

His success went to his head. Thought he was untouchable. BIG talent for a rookie. 10 1/2 sacks— Runner-up for DROY. It’s a shame. If he survives this, maybe he’ll straighten up. —— Oh well… Live and learn.  At least he’s not a Panther..!!