Feb 09, 2026
3 min read
Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pierce Jr.'s attorney said Pierce "maintains his innocence" as he faces five felony charges after his arrest near Miami on Saturday night.
Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. maintains his innocence while facing five charges, the attorney said.
ATLANTA - Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr.'s attorney says Pearce "maintains his innocence" as he faces five felony charges following his arrest near Miami on Saturday night.
Pierce's charges include fleeing police after what Doral police say was a domestic dispute with WNBA player Ricky Jackson.Pierce was arrested for the crash.His charges include two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated harassment.
Pierce posted a $20,500 bond Sunday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
“We look forward to working with the State Attorney's Office to thoroughly investigate this case and uncover the truth,” Pierce's attorney, Jacob Nunez, said Monday in a statement to the Associated Press.
"Mr. Pearce has maintained his innocence and asks the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape the narrative, they are not the complete and total story. We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue to contribute positively to his team and the community he serves so well."
Nunes declined to comment further.
Pierce Jackson's pre-trial stay-off order granted.Pierce and Jackson's relationship began when both played at Tennessee in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Falcons said in a statement Saturday that they were aware of the arrest.
The allegations could threaten Pearce's future with the team.
The Falcons traded a 2026 first-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams, drafting No. 26 last year, to select Pierce.He then set a Falcons rookie record with a team-leading 10 1/2 sacks. The Falcons set a team record with 57 sacks, a year after finishing last in the league with just 31 sacks.
Despite a successful run, the Falcons finished 8-9 for their eighth straight losing season.Second-year coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot were fired.New president of football Matt Ryan helped make changes to the team's leadership, including the hiring of coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Ian Cunningham.
Ryan, Cunningham and Stefanski already face tough decisions this offseason, including the potential release of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, although starter Michael Pennix Jr. has been inconsistent early in the season as he recovers from a knee injury. Pierce's arrest and unclear legal implications add significant problems to the team's challenge for its first winning season and the playoffs since 2017.
