A possible path has emerged to resolve Atlanta Falcons move rusher James Pearce Jr.’s authorized saga. On Thursday, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Yr finalist was granted entry into an intervention program that would enable him to keep away from trial on a number of felony prices, his legal professional, Yale Sanford, advised ESPN.
Pearce faces prices of aggravated battery with a lethal weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, together with misdemeanor stalking tied to a February incident in Florida. The stalking cost stems from alleged occasions involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson.
Underneath the phrases of the intervention program, Pearce is prohibited from having bodily contact with Jackson and should bear remedy. This system is overseen by a 3rd celebration, not the NFL.
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Pearce has a courtroom look early subsequent month to finalize the main points. Underneath Florida regulation, Jackson and the officers concerned have the appropriate to be consulted earlier than the settlement is finalized.
A state legal professional’s spokesperson mentioned Jackson and regulation enforcement officers have been consulted and that “all events consented” to pretrial intervention as “the easiest way ahead.”
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The assistant state legal professional on the case mentioned Pearce’s standing as a first-time offender was considered, including that “it seems this incident was borne out of a psychological well being disaster.” Pearce doesn’t have a historical past of violence.
Pearce should proceed remedy, undergo random drug assessments and comply with the NFL’s testing protocol. Any failed or missed check may value him his place within the pretrial intervention program, and he should additionally write a letter apologizing to regulation enforcement, the spokesperson added.
The group declined to touch upon the newest improvement, citing the continued authorized matter, ESPN reported. Attorneys for Jackson couldn’t be instantly reached for remark.
Pearce is accused of ramming his luxurious SUV right into a automobile pushed by Jackson on Feb. 7 in Doral, Florida. He then allegedly fled from police as they tried to arrest him.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after an NFL sport towards the New Orleans Saints in Atlanta on Jan. 4, 2026. (Danny Karnik/AP)
Pearce allegedly tailed Jackson and repeatedly struck her automobile as she drove towards the Doral police station. He spent an evening in jail earlier than his launch the subsequent day on $20,500 bond.
In February, Jackson advised the courtroom she was prepared to testify.
The courtroom granted the safety request and scheduled a Could 21 listening to on a everlasting injunction. The order prohibits Pearce from contacting Jackson, coming inside 500 toes of her dwelling or office, or inside 100 toes of her automobile.
Rickea Jackson mentioned she is prepared to testify towards James Pearce Jr. following an alleged home dispute. (Andrew J. Clark/Perry Knotts/Getty Pictures)
After reaching an settlement, Pearce’s attorneys mentioned the end result permits him to maneuver ahead with out additional authorized motion.
“This decision permits the matter to be addressed and totally resolved with out additional litigation, and he’s dedicated to assembly all situations. James is targeted on transferring ahead, rejoining his teammates and the Atlanta Falcons group as a complete, performing on the highest stage, and persevering with to be a group participant on and off the sector,” the assertion learn.
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Additionally on Thursday, a spokesperson for the NFL confirmed that the league has been “intently monitoring all developments within the matter, which stays beneath evaluation of the private conduct coverage.”
Pearce set the Falcons’ rookie sack file with 10.5 final season. The Los Angeles Sparks traded Jackson to the Chicago Sky earlier this month.
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