NFL Star Suspended 8 Games

Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for eight regular-season games by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension comes after a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, in February 2026.

The suspension will take effect on August 30, and Pearce will be eligible for reinstatement on November 2. Pearce was arrested in February 2026 and charged with three felonies: Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence.

Pearce agreed to enter a six-month diversion program to resolve the charges. He led the Atlanta Falcons with 10.5 sacks in the 2025 season and was the team's No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Falcons will be without Pearce for nearly half of the 2026 season.

The suspension is a significant blow to the Falcons, who recently lost linebacker Jalon Walker for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. Pearce's absence will be felt, especially given his impressive performance in the 2025 season, where he played in 17 games and won Defensive Rookie of the Month in December.

## What's Next The Falcons will have to adjust their lineup without Pearce for the first eight games of the season. The team's coach, Kevin Stefanski, declined to comment on the length of the suspension, stating that they trust the process that the league has in place.