Former Tennessee Vols standout James Pearce takes significant step after turbulent offseason
Former Tennessee Volunteers EDGE James Pearce has had a turbulent offseason, all stemming from his arrest in February on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police.
It’s been a very turbulent offseason for former Tennessee Vols EDGE rusher James Pearce.
Pearce, a first round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft, was arrested in February on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police.
The charges stemmed from an incident with his ex-girlfriend Rickea Jackson, a former Lady Vols basketball star.
Pearce was arrested after he “intentionally collided into the rear of [Jackson’s] vehicle” with his SUV. The Falcons pass rusher also struck a police officer in the knee with his SUV while fleeing the scene. You can read the rest of the details of the incident here.
James Pearce takes significant step in his return to the field
When the incident happened in February, there was speculation that Pearce may never return to the field.
But it appears he’s working his way back.
In April, Pearce was offered an intervention program to avoid trial.
“James Pearce Jr. agreed Thursday to enter an intervention program, allowing him to avoid trial on felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, along with misdemeanor stalking, his attorney said,” read a report from ESPN on April 23. “Pearce’s attorney, Yale Sanford, told ESPN that Pearce must stay away from his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, and participate in therapy as part of the stipulations of the six-month intervention program, which is run by an outside third party.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Pearce has returned to the Falcons’ training facility and is expected to take part in the team’s mandatory minicamp this week.
Pearce could still face discipline from the NFL.
The NFL told ESPN in April that the league has been “closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”