Police responded to at least seven 911 calls involving Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. and his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, over a span of months before Pearce was arrested in February following an alleged car-ramming incident, according to police reports and court documents.
The incidents, detailed in records obtained by ESPN, began in November 2024 and escalated through January 2025, culminating in Pearce’s arrest on Feb. 7, 2026, after he allegedly stalked Jackson, attempted to enter her vehicle and intentionally collided with her car near the Doral Police Department headquarters. Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, told authorities the couple had dated for nearly three years before their recent breakup, during which Pearce refused to cease contact despite her blocking his number.
The first reported calls occurred on Nov. 24 and 25, 2024, at Jackson’s residence in Doral, Florida. In the initial incident, Jackson reported Pearce knocking on her door and repeatedly calling her landline to collect an alleged $70,000 debt. He left before officers arrived. Hours later, she called again, expressing fear after Pearce’s father warned her of his impending return; she vacated the home for the night.
Additional responses followed in January 2025. On Jan. 13, police encountered Pearce outside the residence and issued a stay-away order, advising him not to return. On Jan. 28, two separate calls were made: one for a suspected burglary where Jackson spotted Pearce leaving the property, and another later that evening reporting door damage and ongoing fear. She mentioned a related incident in nearby Davie, Florida, involving stolen property.
Further calls on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 involved reports of domestic disturbances in the garage, stalking by Pearce and additional out-of-jurisdiction incidents, including a missed flight and an Uber altercation. No arrests were made during these prior responses.
The situation reached a boiling point on Feb. 7, when Jackson called police reporting Pearce following her in a white Lamborghini SUV. According to the arrest affidavit, Pearce attempted to open her car door at a red light before ramming her vehicle rear-end and head-on as she drove toward the police station for safety. Officers arrived, drew weapons on Pearce, but he fled, leading to a chase that ended with his vehicle crashing at an intersection. Pearce then fled on foot but was apprehended after resisting arrest.
Pearce, 22, faces five felony charges: two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. He also received nine traffic citations and a misdemeanor for resisting an officer without violence. Released on $20,500 bond, Pearce’s legal team maintains his innocence, stating allegations do not reflect the full story.
Jackson’s attorneys filed a notice on Feb. 11, 2026, indicating she is “willing to testify” if the case proceeds to trial. The NFL is reviewing the matter under its personal conduct policy.
Pearce, a first-round draft pick from the University of Tennessee, had a standout rookie season with 17 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, earning a nomination for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Jackson, also a Tennessee alum, was selected fourth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft and plays for the Sparks.
Social media reactions highlighted support for Jackson, with posts condemning the alleged actions and praising her resilience amid her return to the court.
Flip the pages for photos of Rickea Jackson.
