James Pearce Jr. To Join Intervention Program To Avoid Trial In Rickea Jackson Assault Case

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will join an intervention program. 

Pearce Jr. was facing charges of domestic violence, stalking, felony aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing and resisting an officer without violence to his person. Pearce Jr. will need to attend anger management therapy for six months as part of his intervention program. 

On Feb. 7, police reports said that Pearce Jr. followed his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player, Rickea Jackson, with his car. He allegedly tried to open her car door at a red light and rammed his car into hers when she tried to enter the Doral Police Department.

Pearce Jr. was arrested the day the alleged domestic violence happened. Officers attempted to arrest Pearce Jr. on-site, but he got into his vehicle and escaped. Pearce Jr.’s SUV ran over the knee of a police officer. As he was trying to escape, Pearce Jr. was involved in an accident at an intersection. Officers again attempted to arrest Pearce Jr., but he resisted arrest further. Police did eventually arrest him after the accident.

On Feb. 14, Jackson told the court she was willing to testify against Pearce Jr. On March 14, she filed a motion for a protective order against Pearce Jr. She told the court that she was in fear for her life and that she believed Pearce Jr. would kill her if the courts didn’t intervene.

Jackson and Pearce Jr. dated for three years until about April 2025. They met while playing for Tennessee. Jackson currently plays for the Los Angeles Sparks. Pearce Jr.’s team, the Falcons, said in February that they needed more information before making a statement. Two months have passed since the charges were filed, and the Falcons have yet to make a statement.

Florida law requires that Jackson and the police officers be consulted before the deal is finalized. Pearce Jr. is due in court on May 7 to accept the deal.