Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. no longer faces a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, but he's still facing years in prison followingan incident involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney's office has brought three felony charges against the pass-rusher, according toESPN. They are aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person.
He also faces a charge of aggravated stalking that was changed from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Pearce was originally charged with five felonies, but the law enforcement officer charge was dropped.
It has been alleged that Pearce,after weeks of harassment and stalking, followed Jackson in his vehicle and caused a collision as she attempted to reach a police station. That allegedly led to a police chase, in which Pearce crashed his car and fled on foot before being subdued by officers.
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Jackson was granted a temporary protective order on Wednesday after telling the court she feared for her life. A hearing for a permanent injunction is scheduled for April 21, with Pearce being forbidden from contacting Jackson or going within 500 feet of her home or workplace.Jackson has notified the authorities she is willing to testify against him.
Pearce has claimed innocence, with his legal team releasing a statement saying 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."
The Falcons have so far declined to cut ties with Pearce, releasing a statement after his arrest saying they were "in the process gathering more information."
Pearce was selected 26th overall by the Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft after two first-team All-SEC seasons with Tennessee. He posted 26 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in his rookie year and finished in third place for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Jackson, who also went to Tennessee, is entering her third WNBA season this year and averaged 14.7 points per game in 2025. She recently finished her second Unrivaled season as well, competing for Breeze BC.
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