James Pearce Jr., Atlanta Falcons
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James Pearce Jr. attends L.A Sparks vs. Atlanta Dream game.
Atlanta Falcons rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Feb. 7 and is facing five felony charges following a domestic incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson. The future of the young defensive standout is now uncertain — and at this point, the odds are not in his favor.
Pearce is facing two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (domestic), aggravated stalking (domestic), fleeing and eluding police officers, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence.
He was also issued traffic citations for reckless driving with damage to a person or property, operating on the wrong side of the road and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.
The following day, Pearce was released on a $20,500 bond. A pretrial conditional stay-away order was also filed against him in relation to Jackson.
Now, according to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Jackson’s attorneys have filed a notice with Miami-Dade County court stating she is “willing to testify” if the domestic violence charges proceed to trial.
“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 attorneys wrote in the court filing.
More Falcons on Heavy: Falcons Coaches Break Silence After James Pearce Jr. Arrest
What Happened Between James Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson?
According to the police report, Jackson told officers that Pearce — her ex-boyfriend of nearly three years — began following her Saturday morning. She stated he attempted to open her driver’s side door while she was stopped at a red light and later escalated the situation when she tried to pull into the Doral Police Department for help.
Per the affidavit, Pearce allegedly rammed her vehicle multiple times with his Lamborghini in an effort to prevent her from reaching the station. Police responded after Jackson placed the call.
When officers arrived, they observed Pearce outside his SUV with the driver’s side door open. An officer drew his weapon and ordered Pearce to the ground. Instead, Pearce reportedly got back into the vehicle, shut the door and locked it. Officers attempted to open the door, but he drove away.
During the attempted escape, the SUV struck an officer in the left knee. The affidavit describes the contact as intentional and part of an effort to evade arrest.
Police pursued Pearce until he crashed at a nearby intersection. He then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers caught up with him shortly after, though the report states he resisted by tensing his arms and refusing to comply as they attempted to take him into custody.
James Pearce Jr.’s Legal Team Responds as NFL Monitors Situation
Despite the mounting charges — including alleged video that surfaced of officers detaining Pearce — his legal team has publicly maintained his innocence.
“Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story. We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well,” Pearce’s attorney Jacob Nunez said.
According to Raimondi, the NFL has been in contact with the Falcons regarding the matter, which is expected to be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy.