Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. could avoid trial through intervention program

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. could avoid trial through intervention program

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 4:07 PM ET

On Thursday, Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. agreed to complete an intervention program that will allow him to avoid a trial for charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police/resisting arrest and misdemeanor stalking.

Essentially, James Pearce's case will be put on hold while he completes the pre-trial intervention. If conditions are met, charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person will be dropped. https://t.co/NOaF6TAOp5

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2026

The 22-year-old was arrested in February after an incident with WNBA star Rickea Jackson. Pearce allegedly followed Jackson’s car in his own before ramming into her vehicle as she tried to reach a police station.

Officers reported that he fled the scene in his vehicle before crashing and attempting to flee on foot.

According to multiple reports, he must not contact Jackson and must attend therapy as part of the six-month program.

If he completes it, his charges will be dropped and he will avoid trial. While he’s agreed to do so, the details of the deal won’t be finalized until early May.

James Parker contributed to this story.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: