James Pearce suspended 8 games by NFL after offseason domestic-violence arrest
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce has been suspended for eight games by the NFL following an offseason domestic violence arrest involving multiple charges, including aggravated battery and stalking.
- Pearce was arrested after an incident with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, which involved stalking, a car collision, and fleeing from police.
- One aggravated battery charge was dropped, and Pearce entered a pre-trial intervention program that could lead to all charges being dropped if he meets its conditions, including staying away from Jackson.
- Pearce missed some offseason activities but participated in Falcons training camp; his suspension will start in Week 1, making him eligible to return in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Pearce was the Falcons’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and had a strong rookie season with 10.5 sacks in 17 games, finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
