Trending Now - Falcons' James Pearce Absent From Workouts Amid Legal Issues
WHO:
Heavy NFL - Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski provided an update regarding James Pearce Jr.
ESPN - James Pearce Jr. is identified as a pass rusher for the Atlanta Falcons.
WHAT:
ESPN - James Pearce Jr. is facing four criminal charges, including three felonies related to an incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson on February 7th, 2026.
ESPN - The three felony charges are aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person. The fourth charge is felony aggravated stalking, which is classified as a misdemeanor.
Heavy NFL - James Pearce Jr. is not with the team at the start of the voluntary offseason workout program.
ESPN - Pearce is facing three felony charges.
WHERE:
Heavy NFL - The update pertains to the Atlanta Falcons' offseason workout program.
WHEN:
ESPN - Pearce has a trial hearing scheduled for May 4th, 2026, in Miami-Dade County.
ESPN - A dating violence hearing regarding Jackson's protective order against Pearce is scheduled for May 6th, 2026.
Heavy NFL - The offseason workouts started on April 7th, 2026.
ESPN - Coach Kevin Stefanski made the statement on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026.
WHY:
ESPN - Pearce's absence from workouts is due to his ongoing legal problems.
HOW:
ESPN - NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy stated that the league's investigation into Pearce is ongoing and they will continue to monitor developments.
Heavy NFL - The information was communicated by coach Kevin Stefanski to reporters.
(UPDATED April 8, 2026 21:12 UTC)
James Pearce Jr. is facing four criminal charges, including three felonies related to an incident involving WNBA player Rickea JacksFebruary 7th, with charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and fleeing from police. Pearce has a trial hearing set for May 4th, in Miami-Dade County, followed by a dating violence hearing regarding Jackson's protective order against him May 6th. An NFL spokesman confirmed that the league's investigation into Pearce is ongoing as they continue to monitor the situation.
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(UPDATED April 8, 2026 19:26 UTC)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski provided an update on James Pearce Jr., a pass rusher who is not participating in the team's voluntary offseason workout program that began on Tuesday. Pearce is currently facing three felony charges, which are the reason for his absence from the workouts. Coach Stefanski shared this information with reporters on Wednesday, on Wednesday.