WNBA Star Rickea Jackson Granted Protection Order Against NFL Ex-Boyfriend
WNBA star Rickea Jackson has been granted a temporary restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, NFL player James Pearce Jr, after alleging she feared for her life due to his violent behaviour. The Atlanta Falcons linebacker was arrested on February 7 on charges of battery and stalking following an incident in Doral, Florida, where he allegedly rammed his Lamborghini SUV into Jackson's car.
Court Documents Detail Alleged Abuse and Threats
In court documents filed two days after Pearce's arrest and seen by the Daily Mail, Jackson submitted a petition for protection against dating violence. She wrote that Pearce had verbally and physically abused her on multiple occasions, threatening to kill her and place a bag over her head. Jackson expressed her belief that "James will kill me" without court intervention, leading to the temporary injunction being granted.
Jackson, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, detailed specific incidents in her petition. She alleged that Pearce became violent in January during a public dispute at a gas station, where he snatched her phone, pulled her hair, and took her personal belongings after accusing her of cheating. Following their breakup, she claims he embarked on a "never-ending campaign of threats, physical assaults and abuse," including sleeping in his vehicle outside her home.
Police Reports Reveal Escalating Pattern of Harassment
Police reports from the February 5 incident show Jackson told officers about her increasing fears of being stalked and harassed. She believed Pearce had attempted to break into her apartment. Although not named in the police report, her identity was confirmed by Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez, and her attorney has stated she is willing to testify if the domestic violence charges go to trial.
The documents reveal Jackson called 911 about Pearce at least seven times in the weeks before his arrest. On January 28, police responded to a domestic disturbance call where Jackson identified Pearce as the subject and told officers she did not want him entering her property. Fearing escalation, she left to stay in a hotel. Earlier that same day, police had attended the property in emergency mode for a reported daytime burglary, with Pearce described as the subject.
Multiple Incidents and Financial Dispute Alleged
Further incidents were documented in police reports from February 1 and 2, just days before Pearce attended NFL Honors, where he finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Another domestic disturbance call on November 24 involved Jackson alleging Pearce came to her property after calling her landline repeatedly, claiming he owed her $70,000. He left before police arrived.
The February 7 arrest followed the car collision, with dramatic images circulating on social media showing six police officers pinning Pearce to the ground during detention. He faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police.
Legal Proceedings and Career Implications
A hearing for a permanent injunction is scheduled for next month. Currently, Pearce is under court order to have no contact with Jackson, stay 500 feet from her home or workplace, and remain 100 feet from her vehicle. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Mail.
The incident has cast doubt on Pearce's NFL career at the end of his rookie season, though he maintains his innocence. Jackson, meanwhile, continues her basketball career, playing for Unrivaled's Breeze team and appearing on court hours before the arrest.
