Falcons linebacker arrested following alleged domestic dispute with WNBA star

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested in Miami on Saturday after a domestic dispute with Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson, according to police.

Pearce crashed his car during a police chase while trying to avoid arrest, Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez said.

Following the police chase, Pearce was arrested Saturday evening and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking, all connected to domestic violence, according to online records. He was also charged with aggravated battery of an officer, fleeing or eluding police with lights and siren and resisting an officer without violence to his person.

Pearce, who is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, appeared virtually in court Sunday, when it was revealed that the deadly weapon was a vehicle. Presiding Judge Jacqueline Woodward issued a domestic violence stay-away order for the victim, who was referred to in court as "Ms. Jackson." The order demands that Pearce have no contact with Jackson or come within 500 feet of her home.

Pearce's bond on all charges was set at $20,500.

The nature of Pearce and Jackson’s relationship was not immediately clear. Both attended the University of Tennessee at the same time, where they played their respective sports from 2022 to 2024.

Pearce, 22, is an NFL rookie who was picked in the first round of the 2025 draft by the Falcons. In a statement, the Falcons said they were “aware of an incident.”

“We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time,” the statement read.

Attorney Jacob Nunez, who is representing Pearce, said he "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," Nunez said in the statement.

Video circulating on social media and confirmed by the Doral Police Department showed Pearce being tackled to the ground and taken into custody by multiple officers.

Representatives for Jackson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An attorney for Jackson declined to comment.

Jackson, 24, was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks as the fourth overall pick in 2024, going on to create a name for herself in the WNBA by averaging 14.7 points in 38 games in the 2025 season.