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Bad news is rocking the Atlanta Falcons organization as they prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks.
Rookie star James Pearce Jr., a first-round pick in 2025, was arrested Saturday night near Miami following a serious incident involving an alleged domestic dispute.
According to reports by the Associated Press, police in Doral, Florida, were called to intervene in a conflict between a man and a woman. Authorities say James Pearce Jr. fled in his vehicle before losing control and causing an accident. He was then arrested and incarcerated at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Serious charges and an ongoing investigation
Court records indicate that the player faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, as well as charges of aggravated stalking and fleeing from police with flashing lights activated. No bail had been set for any of the charges at the time of posting.
Police confirmed that the altercation involved WNBA player Rickea Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks. The fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft, Jackson had a strong 2025 season, averaging 14.7 points per game. However, authorities did not provide further details about her condition or the exact nature of the altercation.
A blow to a promising rookie
On the sports front, this arrest comes at a delicate time for Pearce. The defensive lineman had an exceptional rookie season, leading the Falcons with 10.5 sacks, setting a team record with 45 quarterback pressures, and finishing third in the NFL's Rookie Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The Falcons organization issued a brief statement saying it was aware of the situation and that no further comment would be made while the legal case remains active.
This case adds to an already difficult season for Atlanta, which finished with an 8-9 record, leading to the dismissals of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. The coming weeks will be crucial for both the athletic and legal future of James Pearce Jr., as the league and the team may also have to take a position.
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