Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson filed a petition for a protective order against her ex-boyfriend, Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., saying she feared for her life and believed he would kill her without court intervention.
In the filing, obtained by ESPN, the 24-year-old Jackson alleged Pearce, 22, verbally and physically abused her on multiple occasions, threatened to kill, harm or injure her, and once threatened to place a bag over her head. She also said Pearce offered her up to $75,000 to visit him and $200,000 to remain in the relationship in the hours before a Feb. 7 incident that led to his arrest.
“I am in fear of my life,” Jackson stated in the petition. “If the court does not intervene, I believe James will kill me.”
The allegations stem from a series of escalating confrontations beginning in January, when Pearce allegedly took Jackson’s cellphone, pulled her hair and snatched her belongings after suspecting her of cheating. Jackson said she attempted to end the relationship but Pearce ignored her requests, instead launching a campaign of threats, physical assaults and abuse.
On Feb. 7, Pearce allegedly followed Jackson as she drove home, rammed his vehicle into hers multiple times, chased her at high speeds, blocked her at a traffic light, attempted to enter her car and jumped on top of her vehicle. Jackson called 911 and drove to a police station in Doral, Florida, where Pearce rammed her car again upon arrival. He fled from officers, allegedly striking one with his car, before crashing and being arrested on foot.
Pearce faces five felony charges, including 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 faces nine traffic citations and a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence.
A Florida court granted Jackson a temporary protective order, barring Pearce from contacting her or coming within 500 feet of her home or workplace, or 100 feet of her vehicle. A hearing for a permanent injunction is set for April 21. Jackson has notified the court she is willing to testify in proceedings against Pearce.
Police records show at least seven other 911 calls involving Pearce and an ex-girlfriend from November through the day of his arrest, including a Jan. 28 verbal argument in an Uber and a Jan. 13 incident where authorities advised him not to return to her home.
The Falcons declined to comment on the matter. Representatives for Jackson and Pearce did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
