James Pearce Jr arrest: WNBA girlfriend ‘willing to testify’ against NFL player

February 12, 2026
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Rickea Jackson, the WNBA player listed as the alleged victim of a domestic violence incident involving Atlanta Falcons player James Pearce Jr., said she is “willing to testify” if necessary.

Pearce, a rising star who nearly won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, was arrested near Miami Saturday after allegedly fleeing officers and crashing his car after what police said was a domestic dispute with Jackson.

Jackson’s attorneys asked a court to conclude the case “as soon as practicable and bring justice to her and the people of the State of Florida” by using “all possible resources and personnel,” documents said, via ESPN.

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Rickea Jackson and James Pearce

Rickea Jackson said she is “willing to testify” against James Pearce Jr. after an alleged domestic dispute recently. (Andrew J. Clark, Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

“The victim is pleading with the Court and the State to conclude this matter promptly without hindering the efficacy of the prosecution’s case.”

Pearce is facing several felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police.

Pearce allegedly crashed his vehicle into another car being driven by his girlfriend and struck a police officer while he tried to flee law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s office.

The alleged victim told police she noticed Pearce was following her in a white luxury vehicle, and when she stopped at a red light, the NFL player tried to open her vehicle. The victim said she started to drive toward the Doral Police Department, while Pearce allegedly followed her. As she got closer to the station, she said, Pearce cut her off and collided with her head on.

James Pearce Jr after a game

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) is interviewed after a game against the New Orleans Saints Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta.  (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)

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Doral police officers responded to the incident, according to ESPN. An officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce to try to force him to get on the ground and end the incident, but he allegedly got back into his car and drove away. He allegedly struck an officer as he drove away.

Pearce later crashed his vehicle and was accused of resisting arrest.

Pearce’s attorneys say the Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate “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.”

James Pearce warms up for game vs Patriots

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) warms up prior to a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)

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“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,” the attorneys added.

Pearce posted $20,000 bail. He finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and was at the NFL Honors Thursday night in California.

Jackson, a member of the Los Angeles Sparks, finished ninth in MVP voting for the 2025 season after averaging 14.7 points, a new career-high.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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