The NFL announced Friday that James Pearce Jr., a second-year edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons, will serve an eight-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension stems from an incident in February involving a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, which occurred in Doral, Florida. Pearce faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking. However, these charges may be dismissed if he completes a pretrial intervention program that includes random drug testing, maintaining distance from Jackson, and remaining out of legal trouble for one year.
Pearce will be permitted to participate in preseason games and team activities through Aug. 30, when the suspension takes effect. He becomes eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 2, following Atlanta’s Week 8 matchup against Tampa Bay. The suspension comes at an inopportune time for the Falcons, whose pass rush unit has already been weakened by a season-ending ACL tear suffered by Jalon Walker. The defensive line currently includes Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels, Bralen Trice, and newly added Cameron Sample.
Pearce was selected by the Falcons with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 draft after playing for Tennessee. In his inaugural season, the defensive end recorded 10.5 sacks, leading the team in that category. The Friday suspension announcement also included disciplinary action against three other players. Washington Commanders edge rusher Dorance Armstrong received a one-game suspension and will miss the season opener against Philadelphia on Sept. 13. Tennessee Titans safety Nazeeh Johnson was suspended six games for a performance-enhancing substance violation and is eligible to return for the team’s home game against Cleveland on Oct. 25. Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis was issued a three-game suspension for a substances of abuse violation, with eligibility to return for Buffalo’s home game against New England on Oct. 4.
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