On Saturday, Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. was arrested in Florida. The NFL player reportedly rammed his vehicle into the one driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson, apparently trying to flee the area before being officially arrested.
The case, however, isn’t Pearce’s first legal dispute; the Falcons’ rookie is already involved in previous issues.
What Happened Between WNBA Star Rickea Jackson and NFL Rookie James Pearce Jr?
As mentioned, Falcons’ Pearce was arrested in Florida after trying to evade the police. ESPN reported that the information came through a criminal complaint made by the Miami-Dade County state attorney’s office.
Furthermore, it was Jackson who reportedly informed the authorities about Pearce, who was following him — a white Lamborghini SUV. When Jackson stopped her vehicle at a red light, Pearce allegedly attempted to enter by opening the driver’s side door.
This is when Jackson apparently accelerated the car and headed to the Doral Police Department. Pearce continued to follow her, purposely colliding with Jackson’s vehicle.
According to ESPN, Jackson said Pearce “intentionally collided into the rear of her vehicle.” The NFL player cut Jackson off with his car and attempted to collide with her headfirst when she backed up.
The WNBA star also told police that she had been with Pearce for three years before their relationship ended. He reportedly contacted her with an alternate number after Jackson blocked his primary contact.
She allegedly also asked him to leave her alone. ESPN reported that the text messages continued from Friday to Saturday morning and were reviewed by police.
Furthermore, reports included photographs of Jackson’s damaged car, which align with her previous story.
The police eventually arrived on the scene, drawing a gun on Pearce to ask him to get on the floor so they could make an arrest. However, Pearce allegedly got back into his car. And while the police opened the door again, he shut it again before driving away from the scene.
The report highlighted that an officer’s knee was struck in the “intentional” attempt to flee the scene. A chase between Pearce and the police followed, following which the NFL player “fled on foot” after his Lamborghini crashed at an intersection.
“Officers were able to catch up with him, though Pearce ‘began to resist arrest by tensing his arms and not allowing officers to apprehend him,'” ESPN reported.
He was arrested on charges, which included:
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
- Aggravated stalking.
- Aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.
- Fleeing and eluding police officers.
- A misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence to his person.
Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center released him on Sunday night after he posted a $20,500 bond.
Pearce’s Legal Team Releases Statement About Legal Trouble Involving Jackson, Florida Police
Following the incident and Pearce’s arrest, his legal team (Jacob Nunez, Yale Sanford, and Joshua Cohen) issued a statement.
“We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth,” they said. “Mr. Pearce 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.”
While Pearce’s side has made a comment, the NFL has its own take on the matter.
“We have been in contact with the club regarding the matter, which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said.
The Falcons are also currently reviewing the situation.
Additionally, Pearce was triaged at the incident scene and taken to a nearby medical center for a proper assessment.
Pearce, who set a Falcons rookie record with a team-leading 10.5 sacks, and Jackson, with the Sparks since 2024, are yet to make personal comments about the matter.
