The NFL announced on Friday that Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. will serve an eight-game suspension without pay, stemming from a domestic dispute case that concluded without a criminal trial.
Pearce, a 2025 first-round draft pick, was charged with three felonies in February following an incident with his then-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. According to court documents, Pearce faced allegations of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence. The charges were resolved without a trial, but the NFL determined the matter violated its personal conduct policy.
The suspension covers the first half of the 2026 NFL season, during which the Falcons face a demanding schedule, including road games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Incident Details
Pearce was arrested in Miami last month after police responded to a domestic violence call involving Jackson. Jackson told authorities Pearce followed her in a white luxury vehicle, attempted to open her car door at a red light, and later collided with her vehicle as she drove toward a police station. An officer reportedly drew a firearm on Pearce, but he allegedly fled the scene in his car before being detained.
Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie team honoree with the Los Angeles Sparks, was driving the vehicle that Pearce allegedly struck. The incident occurred near the Doral Police Department, where Jackson sought refuge.
NFL Policy and Player Background
The NFL’s decision to suspend Pearce aligns with its personal conduct policy, which addresses off-field conduct that violates league standards. The suspension takes effect immediately, though the exact start date has not been specified.
Pearce, selected 26th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, had a standout rookie season with the Falcons. He recorded 10.5 sacks in 17 games, leading all rookies in that category and earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Jackson, a forward for the Chicago Sky, has not publicly commented on the suspension or the underlying incident beyond her initial police statement.
League-Wide Context
Pearce’s suspension is part of a broader wave of disciplinary actions announced by the NFL on Friday. Three additional players received suspensions, though their identities and penalties were not disclosed in the initial reports.
The league has faced ongoing scrutiny over its handling of domestic violence cases, with critics and advocates calling for stricter enforcement and transparency in disciplinary decisions.