An incident in Miami shook the NFL and WNBA fanbase with Rickea Jackson’s NFL boyfriend, police arrested James Pearce Jr., after ramming a Lamborghini into the WNBA star’s vehicle. The star faced serious charges that included two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, as well as aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights or sirens.
The player appeared in court on Sunday and, after a detailed hearing, got $20,500 bond and a restraining order to keep him away from the WNBA star.
Rickea Jackson’s Boyfriend Gets Relief From Court
The NFL star was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center after Doral police came into action to investigate a domestic dispute reported between a man and a woman. When they arrested the player after chasing him down.
In the Sunday court, the judge neglected his professional and employment status, acknowledging the charges and granted him $20,500 bond and a restraining order keeping him away from Jackson.
JUST NOW: James Pearce Jr. made his first court appearance while in a jail cell.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) February 8, 2026
The judge issued the Atlanta Falcons linebacker a total bond of $20,500 and a stay-away order from the alleged victim. https://t.co/eIcvpoccCL pic.twitter.com/hbwGYs7EgX
As per records, Pearce’s attorneys reassured the judge that, due to his employment in the NFL in Georgia, he will not be in contact with or near Jackson. Fans also showed support to Jackson as the incident came to light.
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Earlier, in 2023, police arrested him for traffic violations, including driving 63 mph in a 35 mph zone, driving on a suspended license, and failing to follow the officer’s instructions. Many NFL teams were also concerned about his off-field behavior.
While the NFL is strict about the criminal charges against its players, the Atlanta Falcons released a statement on the topic right after the news spread like wildfire.
James Pearce Jr. Franchise Releases Cautious Statement Over Rickea Jackson Incident
A short while ago, the Falcons released a statement acknowledging their awareness of the situation, which took place in Miami. The team said it would have no further comment, as it is an open legal matter.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time,” the team said.
#Falcons statement: “We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) February 8, 2026
Interestingly, the player was in the running for the defensive rookie of the year award, finishing third in the voting, and now such incidents are having a serious impact on his career.