Falcons' Pearce agrees to diversion program, felony charges could be dropped

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce agreed Thursday to a six-month diversion program that could wipe out the multiple felony charges he faces that stem from a domestic incident in February in South Florida that involved his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, his attorney confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

Miami-based attorney Yale Sanford expects the agreement will be finalized on May 7.

Pearce, 22, faces felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking. Sanford said that the diversion program – with terms that include staying away from Jackson, counseling therapy and drug-testing – is offered to first-time defendants with no prior criminal record.

“This is not a plea deal,” Sanford said. “This is an opportunity for him in six months to have the charges dropped. He is not going to squander the opportunity.”

MORE: Rickea Jackson files protective order against Falcons' James Pearce Jr.

The Falcons have not commented publicly on the latest developments but have confirmed in recent weeks that Pearce – a first-round draft pick last year who was a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors – is not participating in the team’s offseason program at this point.

Of course, even with resolution of the criminal charges, Pearce faces potential discipline from the NFL under terms of its personal conduct policy.

Sanford said that Pearce will fully cooperate with the NFL’s investigation and is hoping to rejoin the Falcons for offseason training and engaging in the team’s player support program. Pearce wasn’t in the courtroom in Florida on Thursday; he attended via Zoom while in the Atlanta area, Sanford said.

“James is open,” Sanford said. “Anything that is asked of him to help him grow as a person, he’s open to that.”

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