ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First/AP) — Atlanta Falcons rookie star James Pearce Jr. was arrested near Miami on Saturday night after fleeing officers and then crashing his car following what police said was a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Pearce, 22, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, located just west of downtown Miami, after Doral police were called to investigate a reported domestic dispute between a man and a woman.
He was released from the jail on Sunday afternoon after posting bond of $20,500.
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)
Records indicate Pearce faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, along with one count each of aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights or sirens activated.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami,” the Falcons said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
WPLG TV in Miami reported Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed the dispute was between Pearce and Jackson, a forward for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Jackson was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft and averaged 14.7 points in 38 games, including 37 starts, in the 2025 season. Jackson played for Tennessee and Mississippi State.
Pearce, an edge rusher from Tennessee, was the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft as the Falcons emphasized the pass rush.
He was a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award after his stellar 2025 campaign, in which he recorded 26 combined tackles, 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble and five passes defended.
The Falcons finished 8-9, leading to the firings of coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. The Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski as coach and Ian Cunningham as general manager.
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.