Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested in Miami Saturday following a domestic dispute with Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson, according to police.
Pearce crashed his car during a police chase while trying to avoid arrest, according to Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez.
Following the police chase, Pearce was arrested Saturday evening and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking, all connected to domestic violence, according to online records. He was also charged with aggravated battery of an officer, fleeing or eluding police with lights and siren and resisting an officer without violence to his person.
The nature of Pearce and Jackson's relationship was not immediately clear.
Pearce is an NFL rookie who was picked in the first round of the 2025 draft by the Falcons. In a statement, the Falcons said they were "aware of an incident" involving Pearce 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 statement read.
Video circulating on social media and confirmed by the Doral Police Department showed Pearce being tackled to the ground and taken into custody by multiple officers.
Representatives for Jackson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jackson was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks as the fourth overall pick in 2024, going on to create a name for herself in the WNBA averaging 14.7 points in 38 games in the 2025 season.
Pearce is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and is expected to have his first court appearance on Sunday.
