The NFL announced a wave of suspensions Friday, with Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. receiving an eight-game ban stemming from a February arrest. Pearce was charged with three felonies, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence.
The charges are connected to an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie team honoree with the Los Angeles Sparks. According to court documents and a criminal complaint cited by ESPN, Pearce is accused of crashing his vehicle into Jackson's car and striking a police officer while attempting to evade law enforcement near Miami.
Jackson told authorities that Pearce followed her in his vehicle. She stated that she drove towards the Doral Police Department, with Pearce allegedly continuing to follow. As she neared the police station, she reported that Pearce cut her off and collided with her vehicle head-on. Police officers reportedly drew a weapon on Pearce when they responded to the incident, ordering him to the ground. He is alleged to have then re-entered his car and fled.
Pearce, a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year after his 2025 season with the Falcons, faces a significant absence from the team. The NFL also issued other suspensions on Friday: Tennessee Titans defensive back Nazeeh Johnson will miss six games for violating the league's Performance-Enhancing Substances policy. Washington Commanders edge rusher Dorance Armstrong received a one-game suspension for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, and Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis will be suspended for three games due to a violation of the league's Substances of Abuse policy.