Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Draft

James Pearce Jr. suspended by NFL after felony weapon charge

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 7:17 PM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

James Pearce Jr. suspended by NFL after felony weapon charge

Summary

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for eight games due to a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy, according to ESPN. The suspension stems from a domestic incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Rickea Jackson, a forward for the Chicago Sky. Pearce was arrested in February and entered a six-month diversion program in April for felony charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest. He was the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and led the Falcons with 10.5 sacks as a rookie. The Falcons' first preseason game against the Denver Broncos is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2026.

Source Links

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Key Details

•James Pearce Jr. is suspended for eight games.
•The suspension is due to a domestic incident and felony charges.
•Pearce led the Falcons with 10.5 sacks last season.
•He entered a diversion program for his legal issues.
•The Falcons play their first preseason game today.

Latest Updates

7:17 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons' sack leader suspended by NFL after felony weapon charge

What they're saying

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The Falcons edge rusher was involved in a domestic incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson, and arrested in February. What we know.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Chicago Sky Basketball