New York (AFP) – Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce was banned for the first eight games of the upcoming 2026 NFL season by the league on Friday following a domestic violence dispute that led to three felony charges. Pearce, a 22-year-old edge rusher who made a team-high 10.5 quarterback sacks last season as an NFL rookie, violated the league’s personal conduct policy.
Police arrested Pearce near Miami in February after a disturbance involving girlfriend Rickea Jackson, a Women’s NBA player. Pearce was charged with three felonies—aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence—plus a misdemeanor stalking charge. Pearce agreed to a six-month intervention program in April with charges potentially dropped if he meets the conditions of the program.
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Pearce’s suspension will begin on August 30, the deadline day for NFL clubs to reduce rosters to the regular-season limit of 53 players. This will allow Pearce to continue to participate in Falcons pre-season activities. He would be eligible for reinstatement on November 2 ahead of the Falcons’ November 8 game against Cincinnati at Madrid.
© 2024 AFP
