Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce was suspended for eight games by the NFL on Friday after an offseason domestic-violence arrest, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Pearce, 22, was arrested in February and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, as well as aggravated stalking, fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren, aggravated battery involving a law enforcement officer, and resisting an officer without violence to his person. One of those counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon was dropped in March, leaving Pearce with four charges. Pearce was arrested following an incident with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce allegedly stalked Jackson and then caused a collision after pursuing Jackson in a car. Jackson was attempting to reach a police station at the time of the collision. Pearce then reportedly fled from police in his car, leading to a chase. After crashing his vehicle, Pearce reportedly fled on foot before he was arrested.
In April, it was reported that Pearce would enter a pre-trial intervention program. If Pearce met the conditions of that program — which include staying away from Jackson — all charges against the linebacker could reportedly be dropped. Pearce would face "no jail time and no admission of guilt" if he completes the program, per NFL Network. At that time, it was reported that the NFL was "closely monitoring" Pearce's situation. The NFL can take disciplinary action against a player even when they are not charged with a crime. Following his offseason arrest, Pearce missed time during OTAs. But he was able to participate in the Falcons' training camp when it opened. The linebacker will be able to play in all of Atlanta’s preseason games, and his suspension will begin in Week 1. He will first be eligible to return in Week 9 when the Falcons take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid. Pearce, who was selected by the Falcons with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, turned in a strong rookie season, racking up 10.5 sacks over 17 games. He finished third in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting last season.