Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. agreed to participate in a one-year intervention program that, if completed successfully, will result in the dismissal of three felony charges, according to multiple reports Tuesday.
Pearce, 22, was arrested on Feb. 7 in Doral, Fla., on multiple criminal charges including felony counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest and a misdemeanor stalking charge.
He allegedly crashed his vehicle into a car driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson, his ex-girlfriend. Jackson accused Pearce of abuse on multiple other occasions and was granted a temporary protective order following his arrest.
Pearce accepted the offer from Miami-Dade County to participate in the state-issued intervention program that will reportedly require him to participate in therapy sessions, remain drug-free and stay away from Jackson for the length of the program.
Jackson voluntarily dropped her attempt at a permanent restraining order against Pearce, per multiple reports.
Pearce still faces a potential suspension by the NFL, which confirmed in February it would review the case according to the league’s personal conduct policy, under which a player can receive a baseline of a six-game suspension for acts involving assault, battery or domestic violence.
The NFL and the Falcons have not commented publicly on the latest court agreement or the status of the investigation into Pearce’s conduct.
Pearce’s attorney, Yale Sanford, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday, “He’s looking forward to getting back and competing.”
Pearce was selected by the Falcons in the first round (26th overall) of the 2025 draft. He finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after recording 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, five passes defensed and 26 tackles in 17 games (three starts).
