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James Pearce Jr. suspended eight games by NFL
The NFL has suspended Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. for the first eight games of the 2026 regular season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Pearce, a 22-year-old first-round pick from the 2025 draft, is eligible for reinstatement on November 2.
The suspension follows a February arrest in Doral, Florida, involving a domestic dispute with his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. According to police reports, Pearce allegedly pursued Jackson in a vehicle, rammed her car, and led officers on a chase before crashing his SUV and allegedly striking a law enforcement officer.
Pearce has entered a pretrial intervention program in Florida. Under the terms of this agreement, his remaining charges—which include felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer—could be dismissed if he successfully completes the program, which includes random drug testing and maintaining no contact with Jackson.
The suspension is a significant blow to the Falcons' defense, especially following the season-ending ACL injury to fellow edge rusher Jalon Walker. Pearce is permitted to participate in preseason activities and games before the suspension begins on August 30.
Entities
Atlanta Falcons · Florida · James Pearce Jr. · Los Angeles Sparks · NFL · Rickea Jackson
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pearce is eligible for reinstatement on November 2. www.sportingnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Pearce violated the league’s personal conduct policy. www.thebiglead.com · www.sportingnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The NFL is suspending Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. for eight regular-season games. www.thebiglead.com · www.sportingnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Pearce allegedly struck a police officer with his vehicle while attempting to evade arrest. www.thebiglead.com · www.sportingnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pearce's aggravated stalking charge was reduced to a misdemeanor and his charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. www.sportingnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jackson filed a protective order against Pearce following the incident. www.thebiglead.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The suspension will take effect on August 30. www.sportingnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Pearce allegedly rammed his vehicle into the car driven by Rickea Jackson during a domestic dispute in Florida. www.thebiglead.com · www.sportingnews.com