James Pearce Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons was arrested on Saturday, Feb. 7, on several charges related to domestic violence, according to Yahoo! Sports.
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In addition, TMZ reports that, according to documents the outlet has obtained, the rookie defensive end may have intentionally struck an officer with his Lamborghini after the dispute. We have the details below.
WNBA Star Ended a Relationship With James Pearce Jr.
Pearce had been in a relationship with WNBA star Rickea Jackson for three years. After it had ended, she had blocked the 23-year-old's number to prevent any further contact. According to police, Pearce continued to contact her using an alternative phone.
Then on Saturday, the forward for the Los Angeles Sparks was leaving an apartment complex. She noticed Pearce's Lamborghini SUV behind her. She tried to get away. Later, when at a red light, Jackson said Pearce approached her vehicle and tried to open the door.
Jackson then began to drive toward the Doral City Police Department in Miami-Dade County. Authorities report that Pearce then "intentionally collided into the rear of her vehicle." Jackson escaped until Pearce crashed into her vehicle head-on.
Police Arrived on the Scene
Police arrived at the location and drew their weapons. Pearce ignored the officers' commands. When one attempted to open Pearce's door, he then locked it.
After a second attempt to open his door, Pearce drove away. The report states that he hit an officer "in the area of his left knee intentionally in an attempt to evade arrest."
The police pursued Pearce until he crashed his car. He then tried to evade officers on foot. When police finally caught up with him, he then resisted arrest.
Pearce has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren, aggravated battery involving a law enforcement officer, and resisting an officer without violence to his person. He was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Saturday.
Pearce posted a $20,500 bond and was given a stay-away order to ensure he does not interact with Jackson.
The Falcons released a statement regarding the incident.
"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."
After playing for Tennessee, Pearce was selected by the Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft. He posted 26 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks in his rookie season. He also finished in third place for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
