Charges against Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. are reportedly expected to be dropped after he entered into a six-month pre-trial intervention program in connection to an incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson, NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday (April 23).
“The NFL says it has been ‘closely monitoring all developments’ in the matter surrounding #Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. Earlier today, Pearce entered into a six-month pre-trial intervention program that, if conditions are met, will result in all charges being dismissed, per attorneys Jacob Nunez and Yale Sanford. This agreement was made in consultation with the city of Doral and the victim, Rickea Jackson. There is no jail time and no admission of guilt,” Rapoport wrote on his X account. “Essentially, James Pearce’s case will be put on hold while he completes the pre-trial intervention. If conditions are met, charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person will be dropped.”
Pearce, 22, was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police officers, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence to his person. The former first-round pick was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:58 p.m. ET on Saturday, according to online records.
Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed that the dispute took place between Pearce and Jackson and that Pearce was arrested after attempting to flee the scene, crashing his vehicle during a police pursuit via WPLG. The Falcons released a statement confirming that they were aware of the situation at the time of Pearce’s arrest.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami,” the team said in the statement obtained by ESPN. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
Pearce finished third in the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, recording 26 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 16 QB hits, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2025. The former Tennessee standout was selected by the Falcons at No. 26 overall, having been a first-team All-SEC selection in 2023 and 2024.
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