The Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson has become the center of a serious off-court situation after Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday in Miami-Dade County in connection with what police described as a domestic dispute involving the WNBA star. That incident has quickly drawn widespread attention and concern for Jackson’s safety.

As per reports, Pearce is facing multiple charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking.

According to Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez, officers responded to a reported dispute between a man and a woman late Saturday night.

But the NFL rookie fled the initial scene and subsequently crashed his vehicle during a police pursuit, after which he was taken into custody and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with no bond immediately set.

Multiple outlets reported that Rickea Jackson, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and averaged 14.7 points per game last season, was identified by police as the woman involved in the dispute. Pearce was selected by the Falcons with the No. 26 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and turned in a standout rookie season with 10.5 sacks while finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

The Falcons released a brief statement but declined further comment due to the ongoing legal matter.

“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the Falcons said, as per The Associated Press. “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 exact circumstances of the dispute and Jackson’s condition have not been fully disclosed by law enforcement, and the case remains under active investigation. However, as soon as the fans found out about Jackson’s involvement, they took to social media to show their support for the young star.

Fans rally around Rickea Jackson

Almost immediately after news of the arrest spread, WNBA fans, Sparks supporters, and members of the wider basketball community took to X to express concern for Jackson’s well-being. Many emphasized relief that she appeared to be physically unharmed and rallied around the Sparks star with messages of support.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rickea Jackson, the girlfriend of James Pearce Jr. 🙏🙏🙏 Extremely scary situation,” one fan wrote. While another added, “This is extremely troubling. No matter who you are, nothing justifies putting someone’s life in danger like this. I hope Rickea Jackson is safe and that justice is served.”

Reports also show that James Pearce Jr. is accused of intentionally crashing his Lamborghini into his ex-girlfriend’s car multiple times in order to stop her from getting to a police station.

Another fan wrote, “This is disgusting. Protect Rickea at all costs.” Meanwhile, another fan added, “If these allegations are true, this is way bigger than football. Fame, money, and a rookie contract don’t excuse reckless, dangerous behavior, especially when someone’s life is at risk.”

For the Falcons, the timing couldn’t be more difficult. Pearce was coming off an impressive rookie season, finishing with 10.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for loss in 17 games. He was expected to be a key piece of a defense that had quickly become one of the league’s most improved groups.

Now, the attention shifts away from his performance on the field to the ongoing legal matter.

What happens next will depend on how the case develops. But the allegations have put the Falcons in a challenging situation at a time when the organization is still building under its current leadership.

Furthermore, one fan summed it up best and added, “Prayers for Rickea!!” In fact, Angel Reese took to X as well, posting: “🙏🙏”

With authorities continuing their investigation and no further details released publicly, the focus right now remains on Rickea Jackson’s well-being.