A shocking new police report alleges that Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker James Pearce Jr repeatedly attempted to use his Lamborghini SUV as a weapon against his WNBA star ex-girlfriend, Rickea Jackson, in the moments leading up to his dramatic arrest on multiple felony charges. The incident, which unfolded in Doral, Florida, has cast serious doubt over the promising NFL player's career following an impressive debut season.
Violent Confrontation Details Emerge
According to a Doral Police Department report obtained by ESPN, the 22-year-old Pearce and 24-year-old Jackson, who plays for the LA Sparks, had recently ended a three-year relationship. The report states that Jackson had blocked Pearce's phone number, only for him to begin sending her unwanted text messages from a new device. The situation escalated dramatically on Saturday morning when Jackson noticed Pearce's distinctive Lamborghini following her as she turned into her neighborhood around 9:25am.
Dangerous Pursuit to Police Station
Authorities claim that when Jackson stopped at a red light, Pearce exited his vehicle and attempted to open her driver's side door. Fearing for her safety, Jackson reportedly sped away toward the Doral Police Department headquarters while simultaneously calling 911. During this frantic escape, police allege that Pearce rear-ended her vehicle with his Lamborghini. As Jackson attempted to evade her ex-boyfriend, Pearce allegedly blocked her entrance to the police station parking lot. When she reversed in an attempt to escape, the police report claims Pearce "intentionally collided head-on with her vehicle."
Resisting Arrest and Police Chase
A separate officer report provides additional disturbing details about the arrest. When police arrived on the scene, one officer reportedly drew his weapon and ordered Pearce to the ground. Instead of complying, Pearce allegedly returned to his Lamborghini. Officers attempted to open the vehicle door twice to extract him, but Pearce fled the scene, striking an officer in the knee with his vehicle as he drove away. This triggered a police pursuit that ended when Pearce crashed near Northwest 102nd Path and 65th Lane before attempting to flee on foot.
The arrest report states: "While officers were attempting to apprehend Pearce, he began to resist arrest by tensing his arms and not allowing officers to apprehend him. After a short struggle, the defendant was taken into custody shortly after." Disturbing footage circulated on social media showing the 6-foot-5, 243-pound linebacker being pinned to the ground by six police officers during his detention.
Legal Consequences and Career Implications
Pearce was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police. He was released on Sunday on a $20,500 bond, with a judge ordering him to stay away from Jackson as he awaits his next court date. The timing of the arrest is particularly damaging for Pearce's professional prospects, coming just three days after he finished third in voting for the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The Atlanta Falcons released a brief statement acknowledging the incident: "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." Pearce was a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selected 26th overall out of the University of Tennessee. He enjoyed a standout rookie season with the Falcons, recording 17 solo tackles and 10.5 sacks after the team traded up to acquire him.
Background of the Relationship
Jackson, who was photographed alongside Pearce at last year's NFL Draft, is currently playing for the Breeze in the Unrivaled basketball league. Remarkably, she was on the court just hours before the violent incident unfolded. The couple's three-year relationship had recently ended, according to the police report, with Jackson taking steps to cut off communication before the alleged stalking and violent confrontation occurred.
This case highlights the serious consequences of domestic violence allegations for professional athletes, with Pearce's once-promising NFL career now hanging in the balance as he faces multiple felony charges that could result in significant prison time if convicted.
