Falcons' James Pearce Jr. gets signification suspension from NFL

Atlanta Falcons edge-rusher James Pearce Jr. has received a significant suspension from the NFL stemming from his offseason arrest.

The NFL announced Friday that Pearce has received an eight-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. 

The suspension stems from his offseason arrest following a domestic dispute with ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson.

The Falcons had likely been bracing themselves for this news since February. Details of Pearce’s arrest in Florida were quite disturbing, and he was accused of intentionally rear-ending Jackson’s vehicle to prevent her from reaching a police station. He was later charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor, though one of the felony charges was later dropped. The remaining charges are still pending.