NFL Rookie James Pearce Jr Maintains Innocence Following Domestic Incident Arrest
Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr has publicly addressed the serious criminal charges against him for the first time since his arrest, with his attorney stating the player "maintains his innocence" regarding allegations stemming from a domestic incident involving WNBA star Rickea Jackson.
Legal Proceedings and Bond Release
The 22-year-old defensive end appeared before a judge in a pre-trial hearing on Sunday, where he was granted release on a $20,500 bond and ordered to stay away from Jackson, who plays for the LA Sparks. Pearce's attorneys have confirmed he will comply with this court order.
Pearce faces multiple charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police following the Saturday morning incident in Doral, Florida.
Attorney's Statement and Defense Strategy
"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," Nunez continued. "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."
Police Report Details Alleged Incident
According to a Doral Police Department report obtained by ESPN, the incident occurred after Pearce and Jackson had recently ended their three-year relationship. Authorities claim Jackson had blocked Pearce's phone number, but he allegedly sent her unwanted texts from a new device.
The police report details a sequence of events beginning at approximately 9:25am on Saturday when Jackson reportedly noticed Pearce's Lamborghini SUV following her as she entered her neighborhood. When she stopped at a red light, Pearce allegedly exited his vehicle and attempted to open her driver's side door.
Jackson then reportedly sped toward the Doral Police Department headquarters while calling 911, at which point Pearce allegedly rear-ended her vehicle. Police claim Pearce then blocked Jackson's entrance to the police station, and when she reversed to escape, he "intentionally collided head-on with her vehicle."
Police Chase and Arrest
A separate police report states that when officers arrived at the scene, one officer drew a weapon and ordered Pearce to the ground, but the NFL player instead returned to his Lamborghini. Officers attempted to open the vehicle door twice before Pearce allegedly fled, striking an officer in the knee as he drove away.
After a police pursuit, Pearce eventually crashed near Northwest 102nd Path and 65th Lane before attempting to flee on foot. Officers apprehended him after what the report describes as "a short struggle" during which Pearce allegedly resisted arrest by tensing his arms.
Impact on Promising NFL Career
The arrest has cast uncertainty over Pearce's promising NFL career, coming just three days after he finished third in voting for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The Atlanta Falcons selected Pearce with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after trading up to acquire him from the University of Tennessee.
During his impressive rookie season, Pearce recorded 17 solo tackles and 10.5 sacks, establishing himself as a key defensive player for the Falcons.
Team Response and Ongoing Investigation
In a statement released Saturday night, an Atlanta Falcons spokesperson 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."
The incident represents a significant development in what had been a celebrated relationship between two rising sports stars. Pearce and Jackson had been photographed together at last year's NFL Draft, and Jackson was playing for the Breeze in the Unrivaled league just hours before the alleged incident occurred.
