Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce, Jr. was arrested Saturday in Doral, Florida, following an alleged domestic dispute involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson, according to law enforcement officials and jail records. Police say officers were initially dispatched in response to a reported dispute between a male and a female. Authorities allege that Pearce fled the scene, leading to a police pursuit that ended when his vehicle crashed. Pearce was then taken into custody.
Jail records show Pearce is facing multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, and one count of fleeing or eluding police with lights or sirens. Additional charges related to resisting or battering a law enforcement officer have also been reported. Pearce is currently being held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, and bond had not been set at the time of reporting. The case remains under investigation.
Police confirmed that the woman involved in the incident was Rickea Jackson, who earlier in the day had played in a game as part of the Unrivaled League in Florida. Jackson and Pearce have been publicly linked for some time, with their relationship visible through public appearances and social media. Jackson was present with Pearce during his NFL Draft night when he was selected in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons, and Pearce has previously been seen attending Jackson’s games when she played in Atlanta, including matchups against the Atlanta Dream.
As of this writing, neither Pearce nor Jackson has released a public statement regarding the incident, and the Atlanta Falcons have not issued an official comment. The allegations remain pending as the legal process continues.
