The NFL suspended Atlanta Falcons second-year defensive end James Pearce Jr. for eight games in the 2026 regular season, due to violating the sport’s personal conduct policy, which the team announced on Friday afternoon.
The suspension is effective as of Aug. 30 and is without pay, per NFL Media. Pearce is able to take part in team activities until that date, with the defender eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 2.
Pearce, 22, was arrested in Doral, Florida in February after an alleged domestic violence dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson, his ex-girlfriend. He was charged with three felonies: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and avoiding police and resisting arrest. Pearce also had a fourth arrest charge of felony aggravated stalking changed to a misdemeanor.
Regarding the misdemeanor, Pearce was accused of following Jackson’s car and repeatedly making contact with the vehicle with his own car en route to her trying to get to the local police station.
Atlanta traded the No. 46 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and its 2026 first-rounder to the Los Angeles Rams to move up and select Pearce with the No. 26 pick, while also attaining pick No. 101. In his 2025 rookie campaign with the Falcons, Pearce totaled 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble and 26 combined tackles over 17 regular-season games.
