The professional football player for the Atlanta Falcons, James Pearce Jr., is no longer accused of severe assault against a police officer, yet he still confronts potential years of incarceration linked to an event with his former partner, basketball athlete Rickea Jackson.
Prosecutors in Miami-Dade County have filed three serious criminal accusations against the edge rusher, as reported by ESPN. These include aggravated assault using a lethal instrument, evading law enforcement, and forcibly resisting an officer.
Additionally, he is charged with intense harassment, which has been downgraded from a major crime to a minor offense.
Initially, Pearce was indicted on five major criminal counts, but the accusation concerning a law enforcement official has been dismissed.
Allegations state that following extensive periods of harassment and persistent pursuit, Pearce tailed Jackson in his vehicle, resulting in a vehicular impact when she was trying to get to a police station. This reportedly triggered a pursuit by authorities, during which Pearce wrecked his automobile and tried to escape on foot before being apprehended by officers.
Jackson received an interim restraining order this past Wednesday, having expressed to the judiciary that she was in fear for her safety. A session for a lasting prohibition is set for April 21st, prohibiting Pearce from reaching out to Jackson or approaching within 500 feet of her residence or employment location. Jackson has informed law enforcement that she is prepared to give evidence against him.
If found guilty on all accusations, James Pearce Jr. could receive a substantial incarceration period.
(Todd Kirkland via Getty Images)
Pearce has asserted his blamelessness, and his legal representatives issued a declaration stating that he “affirms his innocence and implores the general public to grasp that although accusations can influence a storyline, they by no means represent the entire, comprehensive account.”
The Falcons organization has thus far chosen not to sever their association with Pearce, issuing a communication following his apprehension that they were “currently compiling additional facts.”
Pearce was drafted as the 26th pick by the Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft subsequent to achieving two first-team All-SEC distinctions while playing for Tennessee. During his inaugural professional year, he recorded 26 total tackles, 10 tackles that resulted in lost yardage, and 10.5 quarterback sacks, securing the third position for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Jackson, also an alumna of Tennessee, is commencing her third WNBA campaign this year and achieved an average of 14.7 points per game in 2025. Furthermore, she recently concluded her second Unrivaled season, participating as a player for Breeze BC.
