Falcons' Pearce Enters Pretrial Program for Domestic Charges

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has agreed to enter a six-month pretrial intervention program that could lead to the dismissal of three felony charges and one misdemeanor stemming from a February 7 domestic dispute in Doral, Florida, involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.

The agreement, announced Thursday, comes one year after the Falcons selected Pearce 26th overall in the 2025 NFL draft. According to his attorneys, Jacob Nunez and Yale Sanford, successful completion of the program without violations will result in the state dropping all charges, with no admission of guilt required. Pearce appeared at a hearing via videoconference and is scheduled to return to Miami-Dade County Court next month to finalize the details.

The charges, filed March 13 by the Florida State Attorney's Office, include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence, all felonies. A misdemeanor stalking charge was also filed. Prosecutors dropped an additional felony count of aggravated battery on an officer. The program mandates therapy sessions, random drug testing in line with NFL rules, avoidance of contact...