Falcons Star Suspended 8 Games After Allegedly Ramming Car of WNBA Ex-Girlfriend
James Pearce Jr. will miss the first eight games of the season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, months after his February arrest for allegedly ramming his car into one driven by Sparks forward Rickea Jackson during a domestic dispute.
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended eight games by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy, stemming from a February domestic violence arrest involving his ex-girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson.
Pearce, 22, was arrested on Feb. 7 in Doral, Florida, after police say he repeatedly rammed his vehicle into a car Jackson was driving in an alleged attempt to stop her from reaching a police station during a domestic dispute. He was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing or eluding police, aggravated battery involving a law enforcement officer, and resisting an officer without violence, according to ESPN.
Charges could still be dropped
In April, reports indicated Pearce would enter a pre-trial intervention program; if he meets its conditions — including staying away from Jackson — the criminal charges could ultimately be dismissed. The NFL's suspension proceeded regardless, under the league's personal conduct policy, which allows discipline independent of a criminal case's outcome, per NFL.com.
SUSPENSION BEGINS AUG. 30 — HE'S ELIGIBLE TO RETURN NOV. 2
The suspension takes effect Aug. 30 and runs through the first eight games of the regular season; Pearce becomes eligible for reinstatement Nov. 2, according to Yahoo Sports. He will be allowed to participate in the Falcons' preseason and can practice with the team during the suspension but cannot play or travel with the club on game days.
Pearce was Atlanta's first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and had been expected to anchor the Falcons' pass rush this season. His absence for the first two months leaves a significant hole in a defense already under pressure to improve after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
What's next
The Falcons have not named a starting replacement but are expected to lean on veteran depth at edge rusher while Pearce serves his suspension. Jackson, for her part, has not spoken publicly about the league's decision. Pearce's next court date in the Florida criminal case has not been publicly scheduled.