gridironheroics.com

“She’s Going To Testify” NFL Star Gets Horrible News Amid Numerous Felony Charges (Breaking)

The NFL world was shocked this week when one of their own star players was not only arrested, but charged with numerous felonies. Now he is finding out that this case is far from over.

Here are the details.

WNBA Star Rickea Jackson ‘Willing to Testify’ Against Falcons LB James Pearce Jr. in Domestic Violence Case – Court Notice Filed

Feb 9, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the Super Bowl LX host committee handoff press conference at Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson, the alleged victim in the high-profile domestic violence arrest of Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker James Pearce Jr., has formally indicated she is “willing to testify” against him if the case proceeds to trial:

Rickea’s attorney also indicated she hopes to put the matter behind her, sooner rather than later.

“The victim is pleading with the Court and the State to conclude this matter promptly without hindering the efficacy of the prosecution’s case,” the attorney told the court.

As we previously reported, Jackson and Pearce Jr. got into analleged domestic dispute last Saturday … where the 23-year-old is accused of slamming his Lambo into Rickea’s vehicle as she drove towards the Doral City Police Department, in an effort to get away from him.

After crashing head-on with his ex-GF … cops arrived on scene, drew their weapons, and ordered Pearce Jr. out of the vehicle, however, they say he ignored their commands.

When cops attempted to open his car door, the University of Tennessee product locked it, according to police. Pearce then drove away, with the report stating he struck an officer “in the area of his left knee intentionally in an attempt to evade arrest.”

Following a brief pursuit, James crashed his vehicle and took off on foot. Officers eventually caught up with the Falcons’ first-round draft pick, but he began resisting by “tensing his arms and not allowing officers to apprehend him.”

Background on the Arrest and Charges

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) celebrates after a victory over the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Pearce Jr., 22, was the Falcons’ first-round pick (No. 26 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft and a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist (third place in AP voting). He was arrested Saturday in Doral, Florida. The incident stemmed from an alleged domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend Jackson (24), whom he dated for nearly three years before the breakup.

Police reports and affidavits detail:

Pearce allegedly followed Jackson in his Lamborghini SUV after she ended the relationship and drove toward the Doral Police Department for safety.

He reportedly tried to open her car door at a stop, then rammed her vehicle multiple times (head-on crashes) to prevent her from reaching police.

When officers arrived, Pearce ignored commands, locked his door, fled the scene, and allegedly struck an officer in the left knee with his vehicle during the evasion.

A brief pursuit ended when Pearce crashed, fled on foot, resisted arrest (tensing arms to prevent handcuffing), and was taken into custody.

He faces five felony charges:

Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (domestic violence)

Aggravated stalking (domestic violence)

Aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer

Fleeing or eluding police with lights/siren activated

Pearce was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, made his first court appearance Sunday, posted $20,500 bond that evening, and was released with a pre-trial stay-away/no-contact order regarding Jackson.

Jackson’s Role and Statements

Jackson, a rising WNBA star with the Sparks, told police about the recent breakup and provided details of the pursuit. Her attorneys’ notice emphasizes full cooperation and a desire for swift justice without jeopardizing the prosecution.

No public statements have come directly from Jackson or Pearce as of Wednesday. The Falcons issued a brief initial response: aware of the incident and gathering information, with no further comment on the open legal matter.

Impact on Pearce’s NFL Career

Pearce posted strong rookie numbers (10.5 sacks, 10 TFL, 16 QB hits in limited snaps) and was seen as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s defense. Under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, domestic violence allegations often trigger league investigation and potential suspension (minimum six games if convicted or substantiated), even without a trial. The Falcons could release him outright given the severity.

This developing case has drawn significant attention amid the NFL offseason. No trial date has been set, and the investigation continues. Stay tuned for court updates, any NFL response, or statements from the involved parties. Our thoughts are with all affected during this process.