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<p>Michael Rothstein</p>
<span class="source">ESPN Staff Writer</span>
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<p>Marc Raimondi</p>
<span class="source">ESPN Staff Writer</span>
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<span class="timestamp">Mar 11, 2026, 05:11 PM ET</span>
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<h1>Rickea Jackson Seeks Protection Against James Pearce Jr.</h1>
<p>WNBA player <a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/4433630/rickea-jackson">Rickea Jackson</a> has filed a petition for protection against her ex-boyfriend, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/5081394/james-pearce-jr">James Pearce Jr.</a>, an edge rusher for the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>. In court documents, she expressed fears for her life, stating, "James will kill me" if no legal action is taken.</p>
<h2>Details of the Petition</h2>
<p>Jackson, currently playing for the <a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/team/_/name/la/los-angeles-sparks">Los Angeles Sparks</a>, submitted the protection order after Pearce's arrest on charges of battery and stalking, related to an incident on February 7 when he allegedly rammed his vehicle into hers. She indicated her willingness to testify against Pearce in court proceedings.</p>
<h2>Court Action and Charges</h2>
<p>The court has approved Jackson's initial request for protection; a permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21. Pearce is prohibited from contacting Jackson or coming within specific distances from her home, workplace, and vehicle.</p>
<h2>Allegations of Abuse</h2>
<p>In her petition, Jackson described multiple instances of verbal and physical abuse by Pearce, including threats against her life. She detailed the alarming events of February 7, claiming Pearce followed her during her drive home and attempted to force her off the road, culminating in a physical confrontation near a police station.</p>
<h2>Legal Actions Against Pearce</h2>
<p>Pearce, 22, is facing five felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking, along with several traffic violations. Reports indicate that he fled the scene following his vehicle’s crash and did not comply with police instructions during the arrest.</p>
<h2>Background of the Relationship</h2>
<p>Jackson expressed increasing fear for her safety after attempting to end her relationship with Pearce weeks prior to his arrest. During this time, she claimed Pearce made alarming monetary offers to maintain their relationship and displayed possessive behavior, including accusations of infidelity.</p>
<h2>Previous Incidents</h2>
<p>Prior to these events, Jackson had reported troubling incidents involving Pearce, including unwanted contact and harassment. Police had previously been called to resolve conflicts between Pearce and another ex-girlfriend. The repeated concerns prompted law enforcement to warn him about returning to her residence.</p>
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