Atlanta Falcons rookie star James Pearce Jr. was arrested near Miami on Saturday night after fleeing officers and then crashing his car following what police said was a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson.Pearce, the first-round pick who led the Falcons in sacks and was third in NFL defensive rookie of the year voting, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center after Doral police were summoned to investigate a reported domestic dispute between a man and a woman.According to jail records, Pearce is facing charges of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon as well as aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren. Bond was not immediately set on all the charges.The Falcons said in a statement they are aware of the arrest.“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the Falcons said in a statement provided to The Associated Press. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”WPLG TV in Miami reported Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed the dispute was between Pearce and Jackson, a forward for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 NewsJackson was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft and averaged 14.7 points in 38 games, including 37 starts, in the 2025 season. Jackson played for Tennessee and Mississippi State.Pearce, an edge rusher from Tennessee, was the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft as the Falcons emphasized the pass rush. Pearce had 10 1/2 sacks and his 45 quarterback pressures set a team record for a rookie. Pearce had 26 tackles and 16 quarterback hits. He forced a fumble and recovered a fumble while playing in all 17 games.The Falcons finished 8-9, leading to the firings of coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. The Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski as coach and Ian Cunningham as general manager.Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.
ATLANTA —
Atlanta Falcons rookie star James Pearce Jr. was arrested near Miami on Saturday night after fleeing officers and then crashing his car following what police said was a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Getty ImagesMeg Oliphant
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Forward Rickea Jackson #2 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball defended by Amy Okonkwo #0 of the Dallas Wings in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on September 07, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Pearce, the first-round pick who led the Falcons in sacks and was third in NFL defensive rookie of the year voting, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center after Doral police were summoned to investigate a reported domestic dispute between a man and a woman.
Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office
James Pearce Jr.
According to jail records, Pearce is facing charges of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon as well as aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren. Bond was not immediately set on all the charges.
Getty ImagesTodd Kirkland
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 7: James Pearce Jr. #27 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Falcons said in a statement they are aware of the arrest.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the Falcons said in a statement provided to The Associated Press. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
WPLG TV in Miami reported Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed the dispute was between Pearce and Jackson, a forward for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Getty ImagesLeonardo Fernandez
MEDLEY, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 1: Rickea Jackson #2 of the Breeze is introduced prior to playing a game against the Rose during the Unrivaled 2026 game at Sephora Arena on February 1, 2026 in Medley, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 News
Jackson was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft and averaged 14.7 points in 38 games, including 37 starts, in the 2025 season. Jackson played for Tennessee and Mississippi State.
Getty ImagesKathryn Riley
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 30: James Pearce Jr. #27 of the Atlanta Falcons tackles Tyrod Taylor #2 of the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 30, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Pearce, an edge rusher from Tennessee, was the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft as the Falcons emphasized the pass rush. Pearce had 10 1/2 sacks and his 45 quarterback pressures set a team record for a rookie. Pearce had 26 tackles and 16 quarterback hits. He forced a fumble and recovered a fumble while playing in all 17 games.
The Falcons finished 8-9, leading to the firings of coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. The Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski as coach and Ian Cunningham as general manager.
Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.