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A flurry of suspensions was announced by the NFL Friday, with James Pearce’s eight-game ban the most harsh.
The Atlanta Falcons edge rusher has been embroiled in a domestic dispute and was arrested in February.
Pearce was charged with three felonies for his alleged involvement in a dispute with his girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Court documents revealed Pearce was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person.
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Dec. 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Pearce, a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year after a successful 2025 season with the Falcons, was arrested near Miami last month after allegedly fleeing officers and crashing his car after what police called a domestic violence incident with Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie team honoree with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Pearce is alleged to have crashed his car into another vehicle being driven by Jackson and struck a police officer while he tried to flee law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office.
Atlanta Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. (27) reacts after a defensive stop in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
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Jackson told police she noticed Pearce was following her in a white luxury vehicle, and when she stopped at a red light, the Falcons rookie tried to open her car doors.
Jackson said she started to drive toward the Doral Police Department while Pearce was allegedly following her. Then, as she got closer to the police station, she alleged Pearce cut her off and collided with her head on.
An officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce once Doral authorities responded to the incident in an attempt to force him to get on the ground. However, he allegedly got back into his car and drove away.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
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Three other players were suspended by the NFL on Friday: Tennessee Titans defensive back Nazeeh Johnson, Washington Commanders edge rusher Dorance Armstrong and Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis.
Johnson will be out for six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. Armstrong will miss a game for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy and Mathis’ violation of the league’s substance abuse policy is costing him three games.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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