Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson is prepared to provide testimony against Falcons defensive player James Pearce Jr. in his felony battery trial, according to recent filings in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Jackson‘s involvement is confirmed in court documents filed Tuesday, as her legal representatives indicated her cooperation with the prosecution.
Jackson’s lawyers stated that she
remains cooperative and willing to testify at trial, if one is necessary.
This testimony pertains to an incident alleged to have occurred on February 7 in Doral, Florida, during which Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round NFL draft pick, faces serious charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police.
Events Leading to Criminal Charges Against James Pearce Jr.
The criminal complaint reveals that Jackson and Pearce Jr., who had been in a romantic relationship for several years before separating recently, experienced escalating conflict shortly before the alleged incident. On February 6, Jackson reportedly sent Pearce Jr. a text message telling him to leave her alone, but the following day, she claimed Pearce Jr. began pursuing her by car.
Jackson accused Pearce Jr. of exiting his vehicle at a red light and attempting to enter her car. In response, she fled the scene. Pearce Jr. then allegedly rammed her vehicle from behind before colliding with her head-on as she tried to reach a nearby police station. After the collisions, Pearce Jr. was confronted by law enforcement but fled on foot, evading immediate arrest.
Pearce Jr. ultimately crashed his vehicle at a nearby intersection and was taken into custody following an altercation with the police officers involved. Pearce Jr.’s defense team, led by attorneys Jacob Nunez, Yale Sanford, and Joshua Cohen, has publicly asserted his innocence in the case.
Defense Comments and Falcons’ Response to Ongoing Investigation
Following Pearce Jr.’s release from jail on February 9, his lawyers issued a statement affirming his denial of the allegations. They said,
We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth,
and added,
Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story.
They further emphasized,
We look forward to vigorously defending our Client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well.
The Falcons organization confirmed they are
in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.
Background on Rickea Jackson and James Pearce Jr.
James Pearce Jr., who attended the NFL Honors event in San Francisco on February 5, concluded his rookie season ranked third in the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, reflecting a strong start to his professional football career. He and Jackson both attended the University of Tennessee, where they played collegiate sports before advancing to professional leagues.
Rickea Jackson featured in 38 games during the 2025 WNBA season for the Los Angeles Sparks, averaging 14.7 points per game, marking her as a significant contributor to her team’s performance.
Implications for the Case and Next Steps
Jackson’s willingness to testify introduces critical first-hand evidence against Pearce Jr., potentially influencing the direction of the felony battery trial. Given the severity of the charges and the public profiles of both individuals, the upcoming legal proceedings are receiving considerable attention. The involvement of the State Attorney’s Office and the Falcons’ reserved public position suggest that the case may take time to resolve, awaiting further investigation and legal processes.
The outcome of this case will not only impact the professional futures of Pearce Jr. and Jackson but could also affect ongoing discussions about athlete conduct and accountability both within the NFL and WNBA communities.
