Photo: Getty Images/Doral Police Department
Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson is "willing to testify" against her ex-boyfriend, Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr., if the domestic violence charges against him go to trial, according to a document obtained by ESPN on Wednesday (February 11).
Jackson's attorneys requested the court to dedicate "all possible resources and personnel" to the case to "conclude it as soon as practicable and bring justice to her and the people of the State of Florida" in a notice of appearance and notice of victims' rights following Pearce's arrest on Saturday (February 7). Pearce, 22, was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police officers, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence to his person.
The former first-round pick was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:58 p.m. ET on Saturday, according to online records. Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed that the dispute took place between Pearce and Jackson and that Pearce was arrested after attempting to flee the scene, crashing his vehicle during a police pursuit via WPLG.
The Falcons released a statement confirming that they were aware of Pearce's arrest.
"We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami," the team said in the statement obtained by ESPN. "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 finished third in the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, recording 26 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 16 QB hits, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2025. The former Tennessee standout was selected by the Falcons at No. 26 overall, having been a first-team All-SEC selection in 2023 and 2024.