Rickea Jackson has filed a petition for protection against an NFL rookie who had been a first-round pick in the 2025 draft class while going on to impress - putting his own career in jeopardy
10:52 ET, 12 Mar 2026Updated 10:52 ET, 12 Mar 2026
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James Pearce Jr is accused of aggravated battery and stalking against WNBA girlfriend Rickea Jackson
Los Angeles Sparks star Rickea Jackson has stated in a petition for protection that she was in fear for her life after her ex-boyfriend, NFL rookie James Pearce Jr, allegedly flew to Florida, 'stalked' and 'chased' her before ramming his car into hers and fighting with police.
Pearce Jr had just completed his first season in the NFL as a first round draft pick, being in California as a candidate to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Less than 48 hours later, he was arrested Miami after crashing his car into Jackson's on February 7.
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Jackson has filed a petition for protection against Pearce Jr, accusing him of stalking her while believing James would 'kill her'. Jackson has stated that she is willing to testify in court against the Atlanta Falcons player.
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Jackson has been granted protection with an injunction hearing set for April 21 - almost a year to the day after Pearce Jr was selected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The WNBA star has alleged that Pearce Jr had been 'verbally and physically abusive on more than one occasion'. The court filing reads that Pearce Jr threatened to kill Jackson.
Jackson alleges to have seen Pearce follow Jr her white Lamborghini SUV. It is then claimed the NFL pass-rusher then got out of his car at a red light and attempted to open Jackson's car door.
Rickea Jackson handles the ball
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Rickea Jackson stated she feared for her life(Image: Getty)
She was able to speed off while stating she attempted to drive towards the Doral Police Department in Florida. Before making it to the department, Pearce Jr is said to have rear-ended her.
An ESPN report states that Jackson said she went to the police station "because I knew James was going to hurt me."
After arriving at the police station, Pearce Jr crashed into an officer's car before fleeing the scene. The NFL athlete then struck a police officer with his car before attempting to run - being arrested by officers.
He faces five charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and aggravated stalking.
In the report, Jackson stated that she wanted to break up with Pearce Jr before the incident, alleging that the NFL star offered her a large amount of money 'to remain in a relationship with him'.
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James Pearce Jr had been in San Francisco at the NFL Awards event while up for Rookie of the Year just one day before his arrest in Miami
The report states he would offer her "up to $75,000" to visit with him" and "$200,000 to remain in a relationship with him".
In the petition, it is claimed Pearce Jr believed Jackson was cheating on him in the weeks prior to their break-up, taking her phone from her while accusing him of being violent on occasions.
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The Falcons have not commented on Pearce Jr at this time. He recorded 10.5 sacks in his rookie season in the NFL, and had been seen to be a future star in the league.
In a statement, Pearce's attorney, James Nunez, said: "We look forward to working with the State Attorney's office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth.
"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."