Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce is accused of crashing his SUV multiple times into a vehicle driven by his ex girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ESPN.
The complaint says that Jackson, 24, told police that Pearce, 22, was following her in his white Lamborghini on Saturday, February 7 in Doral, Florida. When she stopped at a red light, Pearce allegedly got out of his car and attempted to open her driver’s side door.
Jackson then says she accelerated, attempting to drive to the Doral Police Department. Pearce is accused of following her and “intentionally [colliding] into the rear of her vehicle.” When Jackson reached an intersection near the police station, she claims Pearce cut her off with his car. When she tried to back away, he allegedly collided with her head-on.
An affidavit obtained by ESPN shows damage to Jackson’s car consistent with her accusations.
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Pearce was arrested on Saturday on five felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren, and aggravated stalking. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence to his person and remained in prison until Sunday night, February 9 when he posted a $20,500 bond.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” a spokesperson for the Falcons told Us Weekly on Saturday. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
Pearce maintained his innocence in a statement from his legal team to ESPN.
“We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth,” attorneys Jacob Nunez, Yale Sanford and Joshua Cohen said. “Mr. Pearce 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. We look forward to vigorously defending our Client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well.”
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Us has reached out to Doral police for comment on Saturday and has also contacted the Sparks.
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Pearce and Jackson first met in their college days at the University of Tennessee, where they both competed for the Volunteers. The Sparks took Jackson with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, while Pearce went 26th overall to the Falcons the following year.
Jackson told police that they dated for about three years but recently decided to end their relationship, according to ESPN. The Sparks forward says she blocked Pearce’s number to avoid contact from him, but he began texting her from a different number. Jackson said she showed the police the texts, which continued into Saturday morning despite her telling Pearce to stop.
“We have been in contact with the club regarding the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy told ESPN.