Falcons’ James Pearce could have charges dropped if he completes intervention program

TL;DR

James Pearce Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons may have charges dropped if he completes a pretrial intervention program in Florida. The program requires him to stay away from his former girlfriend, Rickea Jackson, and undergo therapy for six months.

Key points

James Pearce could have charges dropped if he completes a program
Charges include felony aggravated battery and misdemeanor stalking
Program requires therapy and no contact with Rickea Jackson
Hearing outcome viewed positively by Pearce's attorney
Rickea Jackson is a former WNBA star

Mentioned in this story

Doral, Florida

James PearceRickea JacksonAtlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. will have all charges stemming from a February incident with former girlfriend and WNBA star Rickea Jackson dropped if he completes a pretrial intervention program administered by the state of Florida, according to his attorney, Yale Sanford.

Pearce, 22, was arrested on Feb. 7 after allegedly hitting Jackson’s vehicle several times with his own and trying to block her access to the Doral (Fla.) Police Department and was charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, felony fleeing and eluding police, felony resisting an officer with violence and misdemeanor stalking.

The ruling was made Thursday morning during a hearing in Doral. The terms of the program require Pearce to stay away from Jackson, undergo therapy sessions and “stay out of trouble” for the next six months, Sanford said. He also said that Jackson and the prosecutor’s office have signed off on the deal.

“Overall, it is the best possible result we could have imagined here,” Sanford told The Athletic. “It speaks to the willingness of the state to give him the opportunity. I think that’s an extreme win for us and especially for James. It allows him to focus on himself and his family and getting back on the football field.”

The Athletic has reached out to the Doral prosecutor’s office, Jackson’s attorneys and the Falcons for comment, but has not yet received a response.

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham was asked about Pearce’s status with the team on Monday and said, “Everything is status quo.” Pearce did not attend the team’s voluntary workouts earlier this month. Cunningham had previously referred to reports about the case as “concerning, to say the least.”

The most recent update came on the opening day of the NFL Draft, in which Atlanta does not have a first-round pick because it traded that pick last year to secure the No. 26 pick in 2025, which it used to select Pearce. The University of Tennessee product went on to lead the team and all rookies with 10.5 sacks and finish third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Q&A

What charges does James Pearce face and what are the conditions for dropping them?

James Pearce faces charges including felony aggravated battery and misdemeanor stalking, which could be dropped if he completes a pretrial intervention program requiring therapy and no contact with Rickea Jackson.

Who is Rickea Jackson and what was her involvement in the incident?

Rickea Jackson is a former girlfriend of James Pearce and a WNBA star; she was involved in the incident where Pearce allegedly hit her vehicle and blocked her access to the police.

What are the terms of the pretrial intervention program for Pearce?

The terms require Pearce to stay away from Rickea Jackson, attend therapy sessions, and avoid any legal trouble for six months.

What did Pearce's attorney say about the outcome of the hearing?

Pearce's attorney, Yale Sanford, described the ruling as the best possible result, emphasizing the state's willingness to offer Pearce this opportunity to focus on himself and return to football.