Disturbing details emerge about James Pearce getting arrested, including how another former Vol was involved

Former Tennessee Vols standout James Pearce was arrested on Saturday.

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Former Tennessee Vols EDGE James Pearce was arrested Saturday in Florida.

Pearce, a first round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft, was reportedly charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police officers, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, and resisting an officer without violence to his person.

James Pearce involved in domestic dispute with former Lady Vols star Rickea Jackson

According to multiple reports, Pearce fled the scene of an alleged domestic dispute that involved his girlfriend, former Lady Vols star Rickea Jackson.

Jackson, who played at Tennessee from 2022 to 2024 after transferring from Mississippi State, currently plays in the WNBA for the Los Angeles Sparks.

Pearce reportedly left the scene and attempted to elude police officers. He crashed his car at Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street.

According to Fox Sports South Florida’s Andy Slater, the former Vol allegedly attempted to ram Jackson’s car and a police officer. It took numerous officers to take Pearce into custody.

Slater also reported that an officer had a gun drawn as the arrest was being made.

“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the Falcons said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”

Pearce was previously arrested during his sophomore season at Tennessee after disobeying police orders during a traffic stop on suspicion of speeding and driving on a suspended license. The charges were dropped a couple of weeks later.

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