CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. was charged over the weekend after allegedly stalking his ex-girlfriend and intentionally crashing into her vehicle, according to an arrest affidavit.
Pearce, one of the Falcons picks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee was arrested on Saturday, Feb. 7 by the city of Doral Police Department, according to an arrest warrant.
He is accused of stalking his ex-girlfriend WNBA star Rickea Jackson, who plays for the Los Angeles Spark, and crashing his vehicle into her vehicle twice, including head-on.
The former Chambers High School star was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one couth of aggravated stalking and one count of fleeing or eluding police.
James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday near Miami after fleeing officers and then crashing his car following what police said was a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson.(Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation)
An arrest affidavit said that Jackson called 911 at around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Jackson reportedly said she was being followed by someone in a white Lamborghini SUV.
Jackson met with officers around 11:20 a.m. at the police department and told officers that her and Pearce had recently ended a three year relationship, according to the affidavit. Jackson also allegedly said she blocked Pearce’s number to avoid contact.
Pearce was accused of getting a new phone number to contact Jackson. According to the affidavit, Jackson showed text messages to police showing that she told Pearce to leave her alone, and that he continued to message her.
On Saturday, Jackson had left an apartment complex and was headed home when she spotted Pearce following her in a white Lamborghini, according to police.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) dribbles during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)(Kyusung Gong | AP)
The affidavit said that at one point, when they were stopped at a red light, Pearce got out of his vehicle and attempted to open Jackson’s driver door.
According to the affidavit, Jackson continued to drive away from Pearce. As she was headed to the Doral Police Department, Pearce rear-ended Jackson’s vehicle, officials said.
Another crash followed the rear-ending, according to the affidavit.
As Jackson was attempting to get to the police station, Pearce cut her off and blocked her access to the station, the affidavit said. As Jackson reversed her vehicle to try and escape, Pearce intentionally collided head-on with her, officials said.
It wasn’t immediately clear what type of vehicle Jackson was driving.
Pearce was released from the jail on Sunday afternoon after posting bond of $20,500.
Jackson was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and and averaged 14.7 points in 38 games, including 37 starts, in the 2025 season.
Pearce was the No. 26 overall pick by the Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft. He finished second in AP Rookie Defensive of the Year voting after posting 26 combined tackles, 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble and five passes defended.
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