NFL: James Pearce Jr., the Atlanta Falcons linebacker, was arrested in early February 2026 following an alleged incident in which he rammed his Lamborghini SUV into a vehicle driven by Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson in Doral, Florida.
A new ESPN report has revealed that the incident was preceded by a pattern of escalating harassment, with at least seven 911 calls and repeated police visits to a residence linked to Pearce’s on-again, off-again girlfriend in the weeks leading up to the arrest.
The report paints a troubling picture of heightened fear and repeated warnings that ultimately culminated in felony charges.
NFL arrest James pierce jr falcons
Handcuffs around the wrists of Hernando Garcia-Morales, who allegedly threw a rock at school bus injuring an 8-year-old student appears for a detention hearing at the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. © Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
James Pearce Jr. Arrest: Multiple 911 Calls Preceded Alleged Attack on WNBA’s Rickea Jackson
According to ESPN, police were dispatched multiple times between November 2025 and Pearce’s arrest to a Doral residence described as the home of his ex-girlfriend. On January 13, officers explicitly warned Pearce to stay away from the property.
Additional visits followed, including one on January 28 after a woman (listed as “Ms. Jackson” in redacted reports) filed a domestic disturbance complaint, stating she feared for her safety after noticing a damaged door and believed Pearce had attempted to enter the home. Pearce was not present during that visit, and the woman left for a hotel to avoid further incidents.
Other interactions included a daytime burglary report in which the woman reported seeing Pearce leaving the residence before police arrived. Despite these repeated warnings and complaints, no arrest was made until the February incident involving Rickea Jackson.
Pearce now faces charges including felony battery, stalking, fleeing and eluding police, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, and resisting an officer without violence.
Rickea Jackson Willing to Testify in James Pearce Jr. Case
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
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
Rickea Jackson, the WNBA rookie standout for the Los Angeles Sparks, has filed a court notice indicating she is willing to testify if the case proceeds to trial. The alleged collision involving Pearce’s vehicle and Jackson’s car marked the escalation point that led to his arrest.
ESPN noted that police redacted names and key details in reports, but the pattern of prior calls and visits suggests long-standing concerns about harassment and safety.
The Minnesota Vikings have not issued any statement on the matter, as Pearce is now with the Atlanta Falcons. However, the severity of the charges—including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer—has drawn significant attention across the NFL and WNBA communities.
Background on James Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson
James Pearce Jr. was a highly regarded defensive prospect before entering the NFL, known for his pass-rushing ability. Rickea Jackson, meanwhile, has quickly established herself as one of the WNBA’s brightest young stars with the Sparks. The alleged incident has cast a shadow over both players’ careers and raised serious questions about personal conduct and safety.
As the legal process unfolds, Rickea Jackson’s willingness to testify could play a pivotal role in the outcome. The case remains ongoing, with no trial date yet scheduled.
Stay tuned for updates on the James Pearce Jr. arrest, Rickea Jackson testimony, Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Sparks developments, and the latest NFL and WNBA news.