Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was suspended for eight games for violating the NFL personal conduct policy and won’t be in uniform before November.
Pearce, afforded an appeal of the punishment handed down Friday according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, declined his option to challenge the league ruling and will begin serving his suspension Aug. 30. Pearce cannot be reinstated until Nov. 2, but eligibility doesn’t guarantee he’ll be cleared to rejoin the roster.
The NFL banned Pearce due to his plea agreement and entry into a diversion program. Pearce, 22, was charged after using his vehicle to block ex-girlfriend and current WNBA player Rickea Jackson from reporting their domestic dispute to authorities, according to a police report from the incident in south Florida on Feb. 7.
Police arriving on the scene alleged Pearce had pursued Jackson in separate vehicles, intentionally struck the vehicle Jackson was driving and fled in his SUV when officers arrived.
As part of the plea agreement in Florida, Pearce faces strict probation for six months. He must pass random drug tests, attend counseling and is prohibited from contact with Jackson. Jackson told police they met at the University of Tennessee, where both were athletes, and that their relationship lasted three years.
If Pearce violates the terms of his court-approved program, he’s immediately subject to additional punishment from the NFL and faces the possible reinstatement of some or all charges related to the original incident. Those charges included misdemeanor stalking, felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest.
Atlanta will be in preparation for Week 9 and a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid if Pearce is reinstated to the roster Nov. 2.
A first-round pick in 2025, Pearce remains eligible for preseason games, including Friday’s opener against the Broncos, and can practice until the suspension start date. He had 10.5 sacks in 17 games last season.