Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2026 regular season after violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, the league announced.
The suspension means Pearce Jr. will miss the opening half of the Falcons’ schedule and will not receive his salary for those contests. He will be eligible to return for Week 9, provided he fulfills any additional requirements set by the league.
Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. Suspended 8 Games for NFL Personal Conduct Policy Violation
The discipline stems from a February 7, 2026, incident in Doral, Florida, involving Pearce and his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks. According to police accounts and an arrest affidavit, Pearce—driving a Lamborghini SUV—followed Jackson, attempted to enter her vehicle at a stop, and intentionally rammed her car multiple times as she tried to reach the Doral Police Department for safety. Officers alleged he struck a police vehicle while attempting to flee and resisted arrest.
James Pearce expected all charges to be dismissed.
Jackson later told authorities she feared for her life. She detailed prior threats, verbal and physical abuse, and obsessive behavior during their three-year relationship and was granted a temporary protective order shortly after the incident. atlantafi.com
Pearce initially faced five felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (using his vehicle), aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. Prosecutors later dropped the battery-on-officer count after reviewing body-camera footage and reduced the stalking charge to a misdemeanor, leaving him with three felonies and one misdemeanor.
In April 2026, reports indicated Pearce was expected to have all pending charges dismissed if he successfully completed a Florida pretrial diversion or intervention program. The program involves therapy and a period of staying out of legal trouble (initially reported as six months, with later accounts referencing a longer term). The victim and local police reportedly agreed to the resolution. Upon successful completion, the charges would be dismissed with no conviction on his record. Pearce’s attorney confirmed the terms at the time, and his legal team has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy allows the league to impose its own discipline independent of the criminal justice process. The policy includes a baseline six-game suspension for first-time domestic violence-related violations, which can be adjusted for aggravating or mitigating factors. In this case, the league handed down an eight-game ban.
Pearce, selected by the Falcons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, emerged as one of the league’s top young pass rushers in his rookie season. He led the Falcons and all rookies with 10.5 sacks and finished as a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He had been limited in offseason participation while the legal matter was unresolved.
The Falcons declined to comment on the suspension. The organization continues to prepare for the 2026 season without its leading returning pass rusher for the first half of the regular-season schedule.
Pearce Jr., a key part of Atlanta’s defensive line rotation, will now be unavailable for the early portion of the season as the Falcons look to build momentum. The team is expected to lean on other edge rushers and depth players during his absence.
The Falcons organization has not issued an immediate detailed statement beyond acknowledging the league’s decision. Players suspended under the Personal Conduct Policy generally remain under contract but are prohibited from participating in team activities during the ban, though they may be allowed limited access for rehabilitation or treatment if applicable.
This development adds an early-season challenge for Atlanta’s defense as the club prepares for the 2026 campaign. Pearce Jr. will be eligible for reinstatement after serving the eight-game ban
