Share and Follow
According to ESPN, Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. found himself in legal trouble on Saturday after a domestic altercation involving Sparks star Rickea Jackson led to his arrest.
Jail records reviewed by The Post reveal that Pearce faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, as well as charges of aggravated stalking and evading police with lights and sirens activated.
Authorities responded to a call about a domestic dispute between a man and a woman in Doral, Florida.
During a subsequent police pursuit, Pearce reportedly crashed his vehicle, as confirmed by numerous sources.
Local 10 reported that the 23-year-old attempted to escape the scene before losing control of his car, which resulted in his eventual capture by law enforcement.
Pearce, who was selected by the Falcons with the No. 26 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was then booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and his bond has yet to be set.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami,” the Falcons said in a statement, according to NFL Network. “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 proved to be one of the top defensive rookies this past NFL season, notching 10.5 sacks through 17 games played.
Pearce wound up placing third in voting for the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year behind Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori and Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who took home the award.
Jackson was drafted by the Sparks with the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft, and averaged 14.7 points through 38 games in her second WNBA season this year.
The two have been publicly spotted together before, with Jackson seen supporting Pearce while he was drafted by Atlanta in April 2025.
According to On3, Jackson and Pearce were together last summer, but she confirmed the couple’s split in September 2025.