Superstar NFL rookie James Pearce Jr ‘maintains his innocence’ has he addressed the grave charges against him for the first time since his arrest through his attorney.
Pearce Jr, 22, was released on a $20,500 bond on Sunday, after being arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking and fleeing police after a domestic incident with WNBA player Rickea Jackson, 24.Â
‘We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth,’ Pearce’s attorney, Jacob Nunez, said in a statement on Monday.
‘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.Â
‘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.’Â
Pearce appeared before a judge in a pre-trial hearing on Sunday, during which he was granted a $20,500 bond and was ordered to stay away from LA Sparks star Jackson. His attorneys insisted he will do exactly that.
Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr said that he ‘maintains his innocence’ on MondayÂ
Pearce was arrested after a domestic dispute with WNBA-star ex-girlfriend Jackson (right)
A Doral Police Department report obtained by ESPN claims that Pearce and Jackson had recently broken up after a three-year relationship, and that she had blocked his number only for him to send her unwanted texts from a new phone.
Authorities claim that Jackson noticed Peace’s Lamborghini SUV behind her at 9:25am on Saturday morning as she turned into her neighborhood, and that when she stopped at a red light he got out of his vehicle and attempted to open her driver’s side door.
She is alleged to have then sped off towards the Doral Police Department headquarters, also calling 911, when Pearce then rear-ended her car.
Cops then claim that as Jackson tried to evade Pearce Jr, he blocked her entrance to the police station and then as she reversed in an attempt to escape, he ‘intentionally collided head-on with her vehicle.’
A separate report from different officers claim that when they arrived on the scene, one cop pulled a gun on Pearce and ordered him to the ground, but he then got back into his Lamborghini.
Police say officers then attempted to open the door to get him out twice, but he fled and hit an officer in the knee as he drove away.
After a police chase, Pearce eventually crashed near Northwest 102nd Path and 65th Lane before trying to run away, when he was then caught by officers.
WNBA star Jackson (second left) was pictured alongside Pearce Jr at the NFL Draft last year
She is currently playing in Unrivaled for the Breeze, and was on court hours before the arrest
The 22-year-old finished third in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting earlier this week
‘While officers were attempting to apprehend (Pearce), (he) began to resist arrest by tensing his arms and not allowing officers to apprehend him,’ the report then adds. ‘After a short struggle, the defendant was taken into custody shortly after.’
The incident has plunged Pearce’s NFL career into doubt following an impressive rookie season for the Atlanta Falcons.Â
The NFL player’s arrest came just three days after he finished third in the voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year at the end of an impressive debut season.
Pearce was a first-round pick in the 2025 draft, being selected No 26 overall out of Tennessee, and he went on to enjoy a brilliant first year as a pro after Atlanta traded up to get him.
He recorded 17 solo tackles and 10.5 sacks in his rookie year.
In a statement released on Saturday night, a spokesperson for the Atlanta Falcons said: ‘We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.’Â
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NFL rookie accused of smashing his Lamborghini into WNBA star ex-girlfriend’s car in fit of rage speaks out on battery and stalking charges