Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. has agreed to enter a six month intervention program stemming from his legal case involving Rickea Jackson, per TMZ.
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That move changes everything. That means it's not going to trial.
Pearce had been facing a long list of serious charges tied to a Feb. 7 incident, including felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, along with fleeing police, resisting arrest and misdemeanor stalking. Now, if he completes the program, those charges will be dropped.
There are conditions — strict ones.
He is not allowed to have any contact with Jackson or be near her. He also must participate in therapy sessions during the program. According to prosecutors, everyone involved signed off on the agreement, including Jackson and responding officers.
The decision came with some context. The state attorney's office indicated the situation appeared to stem from a mental health crisis. Pearce has no known history of violence, and no one was physically harmed during the incident.
Still, this is serious.
Jackson previously told authorities she feared for her life and was willing to testify. That adds another layer to all of this, even with the case taking a different path.
Pearce is scheduled to appear in court May 7 to finalize the agreement.
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski recently told reporters that Pearce isn't with the team during offseason workouts. Perace, 22, was selected by Atlanta with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
