Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. Facing Multiple Felony Charges Following Alleged Incident in Florida
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., one of the breakout defensive stars of the 2025 NFL season, is facing serious legal trouble following an incident in Florida that has led to multiple felony charges.
According to a Doral County arrest report, Pearce is accused of crashing his vehicle into one driven by Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson - a former college basketball standout and Pearce’s ex-girlfriend - and then striking a police officer while attempting to flee the scene.
Pearce, 22, was arrested and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center near downtown Miami. He faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and one count each of aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights and sirens activated.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a domestic dispute between Pearce and Jackson. Both are former University of Tennessee athletes - Pearce a dominant pass rusher for the Volunteers, Jackson a versatile forward who began her college career at Mississippi State before transferring to Tennessee. Jackson was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and just wrapped up a strong rookie campaign, averaging 14.7 points over 38 games, including 37 starts.
Per the police report, Jackson told officers she had ended a three-year relationship with Pearce and had blocked his number. She said he continued to contact her using a different phone number. Jackson was reportedly driving toward the Doral police station when Pearce allegedly rear-ended her vehicle with his SUV.
When officers responded to the scene, they say Pearce was driving a Lamborghini and refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle. Instead, he allegedly sped off, striking an officer in the left knee in what police described as an intentional act to avoid arrest.
Pearce later crashed the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. After a brief struggle, he was taken into custody.
Police also reported that Pearce resisted arrest by tensing his arms and refusing to comply with officers' attempts to detain him.
Pearce was released from jail on Sunday after posting a $20,500 bond.
In a statement released Monday, Pearce’s attorneys Jacob Nunez and Joshua Cohen said, “Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that is hardly the full, complete story.
We look forward to working with the state attorney’s office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth. We remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well.”
The Atlanta Falcons acknowledged the situation in a brief statement: “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.”
Pearce was selected 26th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft as part of the Falcons’ clear emphasis on bolstering their pass rush. He quickly proved his value, finishing his rookie season with 26 tackles, 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and five passes defended. His impact on the field earned him a finalist nod for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, and he was widely viewed as a cornerstone piece for Atlanta’s defense moving forward.
Now, that promising trajectory is clouded by serious off-field allegations. While the legal process plays out, the Falcons - and the league - will be watching closely as more details emerge.