December 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pierce Jr. (27) plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Image Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson expressed fear for her life as she filed for a temporary protective order against her ex-boyfriend, Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., ESPN and TMZ reported Wednesday.
The temporary injunction was requested and granted after Pierce crashed his vehicle multiple times into Jackson’s home in Doral, Florida, on Feb. 7. Police allege Pierce then hit the officer with his car and fled the scene.
Pierce was eventually arrested on charges of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing and evading police, and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.
Jackson read portions of his statement to the court, according to two Wednesday reports. “James has threatened to kill me. James has threatened to hurt me. James has threatened to hurt me. James has threatened to put a bag over my head. And James has verbally and physically abused me on more than one occasion.”
Jackson added that Pierce offered him money just before the Feb. 7 car showdown, including $75,000 for a visit and $200,000 “to maintain a relationship with him.” She said she was willing to testify against him in court.
The current court order prohibits Pierce from contacting Jackson or coming within 500 feet of his home or workplace or within 100 feet of his vehicle. A hearing on the permanent injunction is scheduled for April 21.
According to ESPN, at least seven 911 calls to police in the months preceding the Feb. 7 incident reported Pierce was stalking or harassing his unnamed girlfriend.
Pierce, 22, was selected by the Falcons in the first round (26th overall) of the 2025 draft. He finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after recording 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, five passes defensed and 26 tackles in 17 games (three starts).
Jackson, 24, was a first-round pick (fourth overall) of the Sparks in 2024. She finished ninth in WNBA MVP voting in her second season last year, averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 38 games (37 starts).
–Field level media
