For Rickea Jackson, what began as a deeply personal situation has now resulted in major professional consequences for her ex-boyfriend, Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. Now, the NFL has suspended the sophomore and imposed several fines on his salary.
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The NFL announced on August 14 that Pearce is to be suspended from the first eight games of the 2026 season, determining that he has violated the league’s personal conduct policy. Payment tracking website Spotrac’s editor Michael Ginnitti broke down the impact on his salary on X on August 14.
“James Pearce Jr.’s 8-game suspension from the #Falcons will cost him $446,664 in base salary. Atlanta can also recoup $982,528 of signing bonus per the conduct violation. Additionally, the guarantee on the remaining $6.65M through 2028 is now voided.”
The NFL undertook an investigation independent of the police regarding the triggering incident on February 7 in South Florida. According to the police, Pearce had tried to follow Jackson while she was driving and attempted to use his vehicle to block her from trying to reach authorities. Afterward, police alleged that Pearce hit her vehicle before fleeing and was arrested, and Jackson has filed for a protective order since.
“James has threatened to k*** me, James has threatened to harm me, James has threatened to injure me, James has threatened to place a bag over my head, and James has verbally and physically abused me on more than one occasion,” Jackson wrote in her statement to the court, per Reuters.
Though Pearce faced serious charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, stalking, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and fleeing police, the criminal case against him has moved into a diversion agreement, with the Falcons player entering an intervention program that includes no contact with Jackson. Jackson also later withdrew her request for a permanent restraining order.
If he violates the terms of the program, the NFL will subject him to additional penalties and suspensions, and the charges he faced earlier could be reinstated against him.
For now, when it comes to the NFL, Pearce will be suspended starting August 30 and will be reinstated starting November 2 following his decision not to appeal the punishment. Until then, he can practice with the team and participate in the preseason.
The events have derailed Pearce’s otherwise promising rookie season. After being selected 26th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, he logged 10.5 sacks in 17 games, giving the Falcons hope that he could be part of their future. Now, with his contract weakened substantially and his guarantees through 2028 voided, all of that is in flux.
Though Rickea Jackson did not initiate the NFL’s punishment, it marks a significant development in a situation that has followed both of them throughout 2026.