02/09/26 01:33:00
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02/09 12:57 CST Attorney says Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. maintains his
innocence while facing 5 felony charges
Attorney says Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. maintains his innocence while
facing 5 felony charges
By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- The attorney for Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. says
Pearce "maintains his innocence" as he faces five felony charges following his
arrest near Miami on Saturday night.
Pearce's charges include fleeing police after what Doral police said was a
domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce was arrested after
crashing his car. His charges include two counts of aggravated battery with a
deadly weapon and aggravated stalking.
Pearce posted bond of $20,500 Sunday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional
Center.
"We look forward to working with the State Attorney's office in fully
investigating this case and uncovering the truth," Pearce's attorney, Jacob
Nunez, said in a statement released to The Associated Press on Monday.
"Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that
while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the
full, complete story. We look forward to vigorously defending our client and
remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team
and the community he serves so well."
Nunez declined further comment.
Pearce was given a pre-trial stay-away order from Jackson. Pearce and Jackson's
relationship began when both played at Tennessee. Jackson sat beside Pearce at
the 2025 NFL draft.
The Falcons said in a statement Saturday they are aware of the arrest. "We are
in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further
comment on an open legal matter at this time," the team said.
The charges could threaten Pearce's future with the team.
The Falcons traded their 2026 first-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams
for the No. 26 overall pick in last year's draft used to select Pearce. He then
set a Falcons rookie record with a team-leading 10 1/2 sacks. The Falcons set a
team record with 57 sacks, one year after finishing next to last in the league
with only 31.
Despite the improved pass rush, the Falcons finished 8-9 for their eighth
consecutive losing season. Second-year coach Raheem Morris and general manager
Terry Fontenot were fired. New president of football Matt Ryan has helped
reshape the team's leadership, including the hirings of coach Kevin Stefanski
and general manager Ian Cunningham.
Ryan, Cunningham and Stefanski already faced difficult offseason decisions,
including the possible release of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins despite
starter Michael Penix Jr.'s uncertain status for the start of the season as he
recovers from a knee injury. Pearce's arrest and uncertain legal ramifications
add significant difficulty to the challenge of building the team's first
winning season and playoff appearance since 2017.
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