ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The NFL has suspended Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. for the first eight games of the 2026 regular season, the league announced Friday afternoon.

The suspension is for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, the NFL said in the announcement.

Earlier this year, Pearce was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor in connection with a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.

Pearce was arrested in February after fleeing officers and then crashing his car near Miami, according to police.

After the February incident, Jackson filed a petition for protection against Pearce, expressing fears for her safety and describing a pattern of harassing behavior leading up to the incident.

On Feb. 7, Jackson said she was driving when she noticed Pearce following her in his car and “began driving his vehicle erratically, at high speeds chasing after me.”

Jackson said she began driving to the Doral police station because she feared Pearce would hurt her. She said Pearce repeatedly struck her vehicle with his before getting to the station.

According to a police report, Pearce was driving a Lamborghini when officers stopped him. Police said he ignored multiple commands to exit the vehicle and eventually sped away, striking an officer “in the area of his left knee intentionally in an attempt to evade arrest.” Pearce reportedly later crashed the vehicle and fled on foot.

The report said Jackson told police she had ended her three-year relationship with Pearce and blocked his phone number, after which he continued contacting her from a different number.

“While officers were attempting to apprehend the defendant, the defendant began to resist arrest by tensing his arms and not allowing officers to apprehend him,” the report said. “After a short struggle, the defendant was taken into custody shortly after.”

Pearce was charged with felony counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing or eluding police with lights or sirens activated and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of stalking.

He’s since agreed to enter a six-month, pre-trial intervention program that, if he completes it, will result in several felony charges being dismissed.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. to enter into pre-trial intervention program

Pearce’s suspension will begin Sunday, Aug. 30, the deadline for teams to reduce their rosters to the 53-man limit for the regular season, meaning Pearce can participate in Atlanta’s preseason games.

The second-year defensive end will be eligible for reinstatement on Monday, Nov. 2, the week the Falcons are scheduled to play the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain.

Atlanta traded back to the No. 26 pick in the first round of the 2025 draft to select Pearce. The former Tennessee Volunteer has played a substantial role in transforming the Falcons’ pass rush, leading the team with 10 1/2 sacks during his rookie season.

The Falcons’ pass rush has taken a hit recently following Jalon Walker’s season-ending ACL tear. The group is left with Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels and Bralen Trice. The Falcons also added Cameron Sample after Walker’s injury.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. faces 4 charges in domestic dispute with WNBA player, documents say
• Rickea Jackson filed for protective order against James Pearce, saying she fears for her life
• Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. hit officer with his car while evading arrest, police report says
• Stefanski stays tight-lipped as Falcons face fallout from James Pearce Jr.’s arrest
• Falcons face new questions about James Pearce Jr.’s future with the team as he faces charges

Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.