James Pearce Jr. Suspended for Eight Games by NFL

James Pearce Jr., an edge-rusher for the Atlanta Falcons, has been suspended for eight games by the NFL due to a violation of the league's personal conduct policy. The announcement was made on Friday, following Pearce's offseason arrest.

The suspension is linked to an incident involving a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce was arrested in February in Doral, Florida, after allegedly rear-ending Jackson's vehicle to prevent her from reaching a police station. He faced three felony charges and a misdemeanor, with one felony charge subsequently dropped, while the remaining charges are still pending.

Pearce, who was selected 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, had a promising rookie season with 10.5 sacks and was anticipated to play a significant role in the Falcons' defense this year. The team is now facing challenges in their edge-rushing lineup due to this suspension and another player's season-ending injury.