The Unrivaled league is becoming one of the premier offseason events for the WNBA stars who get an opportunity to play with different teammates, in a different format, and also improve on their skillsets. The LA Sparks are closely monitoring their young stars like Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink, and Rickea Jackson, who are key members of their unrivalled team.
Jackson in particular shone in the 2025 season, and Unrivaled could help her improve one skill the Los Angeles Sparks desperately need for the 2026 WNBA push. But recently, a shocking update came out regarding her personal life, with police arresting her boyfriend, James Pearce Jr.
Rickea Jackson’s Boyfriend James Pearce Jr. In Custody
Atlanta Falcons defensive end and the LA Sparks star have been in a relationship for a long time now. But the two made news for the wrong reasons recently as Officers were initially called to Doral Police Department headquarters for a reported altercation involving a man and a woman, whom Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez identified as Pearce and Jackson.
Pearce first tried to avoid the arrest and allegedly fled the area. But he could reach Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street, and police arrested him after his car crashed. The NFL star faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police.
#Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (two counts), aggravated stalking and fleeing/eluding police. @WPLGLocal10 reports Pearce was arrested after crashing his vehicle following a police chase. pic.twitter.com/ufokgxfQcJ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 8, 2026
His NFL franchise is aware of the incident and has refused to comment until it gathers complete information on the matter. The rookie could get in trouble, as the league has strict rules regarding felony or criminal charges. As for the WNBA, there are no reports of her physical injury up till now.
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Incidentally, the NFL star was having other intentions, trying to avoid the arrest, and could face even more serious charges if the court finds him guilty.
Rickea Jackson’s Boyfriend Attacked Police Officer Looking To Avoid Arrest
According to reporter Andy Slater, the star tried to attack an officer with his car in order to get away from the possible arrest. His car hit the officer on the knee, leaving him injured. Slater also reports somebody told him Pearce is “lucky to be alive” after the incident.
Sharing the incident report, Slater wrote, “SLATER SCOOP: Pearce Jr. also intentionally drove into a police officer, hitting the cop’s knee in an effort to get away, I’m told. The Atlanta Falcons linebacker is ‘lucky to be alive’ after that, a high-ranking police source tells me.”
SLATER SCOOP: Pearce Jr. also intentionally drove into a police officer, hitting the cop's knee in an effort to get away, I'm told.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) February 8, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons linebacker is "lucky to be alive" after that, a high-ranking police source tells me. https://t.co/l9REZZLF6K
The incident certainly impacts the health of a WNBA star who escaped a horrifying accident. On the court, Jackson opened up on the success mantra of her Unrivaled team, Breeze BC, and is finding some success in season 2.