NFL imposes eight-game suspension on Falcons’ James Pearce following domestic violence arrest
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr has been handed an eight-game ban by the National Football League, effective 30 August, following his February arrest on domestic violence charges in Florida.
The National Football League has suspended Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr for eight games, citing a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. The disciplinary action follows Pearce’s arrest in February on domestic violence charges in Doral, Florida, and was confirmed by the league on Friday afternoon.
Pearce, 22, was arrested after allegedly using his vehicle to ram the car of his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, in an attempt to prevent her from reaching a police station. Police reports indicate Pearce fled the scene in his vehicle, crashed it, and fled on foot, with additional accusations of resisting arrest.
The suspension is set to begin on 30 August, making Pearce eligible for reinstatement on 2 November. The league confirmed that Pearce did not appeal the decision, rendering the eight-game ban final. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy stated the move was a direct consequence of the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
Prior to the suspension start date, Pearce remains eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games. The Falcons are scheduled to play the Denver Broncos in their preseason opener on the Friday night preceding the suspension’s commencement.
Legal proceedings against Pearce have shifted significantly since the initial arrest. In May, Pearce entered a pretrial intervention program. Under the terms of this agreement, the felony charges—including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and fleeing police—will be dropped if he remains out of legal trouble for one year, passes random drug tests, and maintains no contact with Jackson.
Jackson had filed a petition for a protective order in February, stating she was in fear for her life during the incident. She subsequently dropped the petition in lieu of the intervention program. Pearce, the Falcons’ No. 26 pick in the 2025 draft, recorded 10.5 sacks last season, setting a rookie record for the team.
Although Pearce was not with the Falcons for most of the spring, he attended mandatory minicamp and has participated in training camp this summer. He has primarily worked with the reserves during camp sessions despite his status as the team’s top pass rusher from the previous season.
