Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has received an eight-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The league announced the decision on Friday, stemming from a domestic dispute incident in February.
Pearce was arrested in Doral, Fla., following an incident involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. The charges against Pearce included aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking. One count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon was reportedly dropped in March.
Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings
According to reports, Pearce allegedly stalked Jackson and caused a collision after pursuing her car. Jackson was reportedly attempting to reach a police station at the time of the collision. Pearce then reportedly fled from police in his vehicle, leading to a chase, and subsequently fled on foot after crashing his car before being arrested.
Pearce is expected to enter a pretrial intervention program. If he cooperates with the conditions of this program, which include random drug tests, maintaining distance from Jackson, and avoiding further legal issues for one year, the charges against him could be dropped. The program also stipulates no jail time and no admission of guilt if successfully completed.
The NFL had been monitoring Pearce’s situation closely, as the league can impose disciplinary action even if a player is not formally charged with a crime. Pearce did not participate in voluntary spring workouts but attended minicamp and every training camp practice.
Impact on the Falcons and Other Suspensions
Pearce, selected by the Falcons with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had a significant impact in his rookie season. He led the team with 10½ sacks and finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. His absence will affect the Falcons‘ pass rush, which recently saw Jalon Walker suffer a season-ending ACL tear. The team’s pass rush group now includes Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels, and Bralen Trice. The Falcons also added Cameron Sample after Walker’s injury.
Pearce is eligible to participate in preseason games and all team activities until his suspension officially begins on Sunday, August 30. He will be reinstated on Monday, November 2, following Atlanta’s Week 8 road game against the Buccaneers. He will then be eligible to play in Week 9 when the Falcons face the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid.
In addition to Pearce, the NFL announced three other suspensions on Friday. Commanders edge rusher Dorance Armstrong received a one-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy, causing him to miss the season-opening game against the Eagles on September 13. Armstrong is entering his ninth NFL season and third with Washington, having played seven games last season before a knee ligament tear.
Titans safety Nazee Johnson was suspended for six games due to a violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancers. Johnson, who signed with the Titans on July 27, previously played three seasons with the Chiefs, appearing in 29 NFL games with six starts. He is eligible to return for the Titans’ home game against the Browns on October 25.
Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis received a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substances of abuse policy. Mathis appeared in six games with the Bills last season and spent his first three NFL seasons playing in 23 games with the Commanders. He can return for Buffalo’s home game against the Patriots on October 4.
Under league rules, all suspended players are permitted to practice and play with their respective teams through August 30, the date by which NFL teams must finalize their 53-player rosters.
Future Outlook for Pearce
Pearce’s attorney, Yale Sanford, stated that Pearce has “taken responsibility for his mental health” following the incident. Sanford expressed confidence in his client’s ability to complete the pretrial intervention program, noting that Pearce’s “eyes have been opened” and he is committed to personal growth. The terms of the program require Pearce to stay away from Jackson, undergo therapy, and “stay out of trouble.”
The league’s suspension process indicates that Pearce could face limited ramp-up time upon his return. For the initial half of his suspension, he is restricted from the team building, except for meetings with the team clinician for mental health services. After this period, Pearce can return to the building, attend team meetings, meet with coaches, and work out with strength coaches, but he cannot participate in practice. The Falcons have not issued a comment regarding the suspension.
Source: bostonglobe.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.