NFL star out of Florida jail after alleged domestic dispute with WNBA player

The Atlanta Falcons said they are aware of the incident and would not comment at this time following the arrest of James Pearce Jr.

An NFL star was out of jail Monday following his weekend arrest in Florida for his alleged involvement in a domestic dispute, striking a police officer with his vehicle and fleeing police.

Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. was arrested in Doral on Saturday, Feb. 7. Authorities were called that morning by WNBA player Rickea Jackson, who said Pearce was following her and rammed her vehicle with his, according to the criminal complaint obtained by ESPN from the Miami-Dade County state attorney’s office.

When police arrived, they witnessed Pearce standing outside his SUV. An officer pointed a gun at Pearce and ordered him to get on the floor, but instead, Pearce got in his vehicle and drove away, according to authorities.

The arrest affidavit said while Pearce was driving away, his SUV struck an officer’s left knee intentionally “in an attempt to evade arrest,” according to ESPN.

Police followed Pearce, who crashed his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Officers apprehended him. He was taken to a hospital for assessment before being booked into jail where he remained until Sunday night.

What charges does NFL star James Pearce Jr. face?

• Two counts of felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon;
• Felony aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer;
• Felony fleeing and eluding police with lights and sirens activated;
• Misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence.

Pearce was released after posting $20,500 bond. His legal team released a statement maintaining his innocence.

“We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth,” Pearce’s legal team Jacob Nunez, Yale Sanford and Joshua Cohen said in a statement. “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. 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.”

What the NFL, Falcons said about James Pearce Jr.’s arrest

“We have been in contact with the club regarding the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said Monday.

The Falcons issued a statement Saturday night saying they were “gathering more information.”

“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 runner-up to the Cleveland Browns’ Carson Schwesinger for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after compiling 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble for the 8-9 Falcons. Pearce attended the University of Tennessee before being selected 26th overall by the Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Eric Larsen with USA Today contributed to this.

Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.