NFL Rookie James Pearce Jr. Charged After Allegedly Stalking WNBA Star Rickea Jackson and Ramming Her Car [Video]

James Pearce Jr. was arrested in South Florida over the weekend after police say a series of alleged events tied to a dispute with his former girlfriend escalated into a dangerous pursuit involving officers.

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The 23-year-old Atlanta Falcons edge rusher faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (two counts), aggravated stalking, and fleeing and eluding police, according to arrest records. Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed the incident involved Rickea Jackson, a standout guard for the Los Angeles Sparks, whom Pearce had recently split from.

Police say Jackson reported that Pearce continued reaching out after their breakup despite being blocked and asked to stop contacting her. On Saturday, Jackson told officers she noticed Pearce following her in a white Lamborghini SUV. When she stopped at a red light, authorities allege Pearce exited his vehicle and attempted to open her driver’s side door, prompting her to drive away toward the nearby Doral Police Department.

According to the criminal complaint, Pearce allegedly pursued Jackson, struck the rear of her vehicle, and later cut her off near the police station. As Jackson attempted to escape, police say Pearce collided with her car head-on at an intersection.

When officers arrived, one reportedly drew a firearm and ordered Pearce to the ground. Police allege Pearce instead re-entered his SUV, locked the doors, and fled, striking an officer in the left knee while driving away. Authorities say Pearce later crashed, ran from the scene on foot, and resisted arrest before being taken into custody.

Pearce was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County, posted a $20,500 bond, and was released Sunday night under a pretrial stay-away order involving Jackson.

“We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth,” Pearce’s legal team said in a statement. “Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence… We look forward to vigorously defending our Client.”

The Falcons also addressed the situation, stating, “We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami… and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”

Pearce was selected No. 26 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and led all rookies last season with 10.5 sacks.