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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. charged with multiple felonies

AP photo by Danny Karnik / Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after the regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 4 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
AP photo by Danny Karnik / Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after the regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 4 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. AP photo by Danny Karnik / Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after the regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 4 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

ATLANTA — In the aftermath of James Pearce Jr. being arrested Saturday night in South Florida, the Atlanta Falcons face troubling questions about the young star of their of their pass rush when it comes to both his immediate and long-term future with the team.

For at least the 2026 season, Pearce’s status could be jeopardized by serious legal problems. He was arrested near Miami after fleeing officers and then crashing his car following what police said was a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson.

According to the jail website, Pearce posted bond of $20,500 Sunday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He’s facing several felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon as well as aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police. He was given a pre-trial stay-away order from Jackson.

Pearce’s arrest came after Doral police were summoned to investigate a reported domestic dispute between a man and a woman.

WPLG-TV in Miami reported that Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed the dispute was between Pearce and Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks.