# NFL suspension of James Pearce Jr

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-suspension-of-james-pearce-jr
> Updated: 2026-08-14T17:02:25.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 2.

The NFL has issued an eight-game suspension to Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The unpaid suspension is scheduled to begin on August 30, making him eligible for reinstatement on November 2.

The disciplinary action stems from a February arrest in Doral, Florida, involving a domestic dispute with former girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Police reports indicate that Pearce allegedly rammed his vehicle into Jackson’s car multiple times while she was attempting to reach a police station. During the incident, he also allegedly struck a police officer with his vehicle while attempting to evade arrest.

While Pearce faced felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, his aggravated stalking charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, and the charge for aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. Pearce has since entered a pretrial intervention program. Successful completion of this program, which requires undergoing random drug testing and staying away from Jackson, could lead to the dismissal of his remaining charges, which include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and misdemeanor stalking. Jackson has filed a protective order against the player.

Although Pearce is permitted to participate in preseason activities and practices, his absence is noted as a significant blow to the Falcons' defense, particularly following a season-ending ACL injury to fellow first-round pick Jalon Walker. Pearce, a 2025 first-round pick, recorded 10.5 sacks during his rookie season.

## Claims

- The NFL is suspending Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. for eight regular-season games. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Pearce violated the league’s personal conduct policy. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Pearce allegedly rammed his vehicle into the car driven by Rickea Jackson during a domestic dispute in Florida. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Pearce allegedly struck a police officer with his vehicle while attempting to evade arrest. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The suspension will take effect on August 30. (single source)
- Pearce is eligible for reinstatement on November 2. (single source)
- Pearce's aggravated stalking charge was reduced to a misdemeanor and his charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. (single source)
- Jackson filed a protective order against Pearce following the incident. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: James Pearce Jr. suspended eight games by NFL

Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. has been suspended by the NFL for eight games following a February arrest involving a domestic dispute and a police chase in Florida.

47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-pearce-jr-suspended-eight-games-by-nfl

### 2026-08-10: Atlanta Falcons prepare for lengthy James Pearce Jr. suspension

The Atlanta Falcons are bracing for a lengthy suspension of linebacker James Pearce Jr., potentially lasting eight or more games, following legal charges earlier this year.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atlanta-falcons-prepare-for-lengthy-james-pearce-jr-suspension

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Cite as: NFL suspension of James Pearce Jr. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-suspension-of-james-pearce-jr