Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for eight games by the NFL, which takes him out for nearly half of the 2026 season. If you're wondering why? It's because he violated the league's personal conduct policy. Per USA TODAY Sports, that stems from an incident in February of this year involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson, who currently plays for the Chicago Sky. Per documents from the Miami-Dade County court, he was charged with three felonies (Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence) and a misdemeanor (stalking). More from USA TODAY Sports: "Jackson filed a protective order ... and said she was 'in fear of my life' and believed 'James will kill me' after the Feb. 7 incident in which Pearce allegedly drove his vehicle into hers while she was attempting to flee to a police station in Doral, Florida."
ESPN source: Falcons DE James Pearce Jr. is being suspended eight regular-season games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Pearce was arrested in February, in Doral, Florida, after a domestic dispute involving his ex-girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea… pic.twitter.com/4GE0LK10ak — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 14, 2026 In April, Pearce "agreed Thursday to a six-month diversion program that could wipe out the multiple felony charges he faces," wrote USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell. When is James Pearce Jr. eligible for reinstatement from his NFL suspension? Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the suspension starts on Aug. 30 and he can be eligible to be reinstated on Nov. 2.
Pearce is eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games. The suspension will begin on August 30 and he will be eligible for reinstatement on Monday, November 2. https://t.co/WMtu8YX6k3 — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2026 This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why James Pearce Jr. is being suspended 8 games by the NFL