Rickea Jackson has been a rising star for the Los Angeles Sparks and the WNBA as a whole, with a rapidly growing fanbase for her work on and off the court. But a serious incident on Saturday has people concerned for her health and well-being.
According to multiple reports, Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday on reported domestic violence charges. Pearce and Jackson have been a couple for a while and Jackson was reportedly the woman in the alleged domestic dispute.
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“NFL star linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday after fleeing a domestic dispute and crashing his vehicle during a police chase, according to Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez,” Local10.com reported. “Officers were initially dispatched to DPD headquarters for a reported dispute between a male and female.
“Police said Pearce, 23, fled the scene and later crashed at Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street before being placed in handcuffs.
“Lopez confirmed with Local 10 News that the woman in the dispute was WNBA star Rickea Jackson.”
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Prayers for Rickea Jackson
Basketball fans have been offering their prayers to Jackson ever since the news broke. Many are hoping that Pearce didn’t hurt her at all and warned that he’ll have hell to pay if he did.
“Men putting their hands on or becoming obsessive can(and many times will) lead to the worst outcome you can imagine. I’ve experienced this firsthand. Absolutely the (expletive) not. This isn’t about fanbase it’s about right and wrong. It’s about safety for women. Prayers for Rickea,” one user wrote on X.
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“I hope Rickea is okay. these dudes are sick,” wrote another.
“This is sick and terrifying I hope Rickea is okay and has a support system around her,” a third wrote.
“Abuse is a horrible cycle and the abuser knows how to manipulate you into staying/coming back to them. the thing is that most times the abuser is more dangerous to you when you try and leave. I hope Rickea is surrounded by love.”
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
The charges themselves reportedly include aggravated battery and aggravated stalking.
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Pearce has the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, but the charges alone are likely to get him into serious trouble with the NFL. Falcons fans are already turning against him online and the team has yet to make a statement.
We hope that Rickea Jackson is safe and uninjured.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.