Falcons player James Pierce faces battery charges after ‘incident’ with WNBA star

atlanta falcons linebacker James Pierce Jr.. Los Angeles Sparks star faces battery charges, other crimes after alleged domestic incident with Los Angeles Sparks star Ricky Jackson.

Chief of Police, Doral, Florida Edwin Lopez Tell the local TV station channel ten news Pierce, 22, was taken into custody after crashing his car during a pursuit with police on Saturday, February 7. He faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, as well as using lights or sirens to flee or elude police and aggravated stalking.

An Atlanta Falcons spokesman said: US Weekly Saturday, “We are aware of an incident that occurred in Miami involving James Pierce Jr. We are gathering additional information and will not be making any further comment on open legal matters at this time.”

Pierce reportedly fled the scene during an altercation with Jackson, 24, after police responded to reports of a dispute between a man and a woman. Chief Lopez confirms channel ten news The woman involved is Jackson.

The football star was taken into custody after he allegedly crashed his car near Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street in Doral after fleeing. He was being held at Turner-Guilford-Knight Correctional Center in Miami without immediate bail.

us Doral police have been contacted for comment and the Sparks were contacted.

Pierce, who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, ended up playing in 17 games last season, totaling 26 tackles and 10.5 sacks. sports illustrated. He played three seasons at the college level with the Tennessee Volunteers before turning pro.

Jackson played small forward for the Lady Volunteers in 2022 after transferring from Mississippi State. She was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

A love affair between two athletes There are rumors dating back to their college days at Tennessee. Jackson finally went public with the relationship in April 2024 when he sat next to Pierce at his NFL draft party.

Fans were quick to point out the couple’s rocky launch via social media, with Jackson jokingly responding byX“I have a doppelgänger. Wow.”

June 2025, Jackson denies pregnancy rumors She missed two Sparks games due to personal reasons. Speculation began when she became pregnant Posted a selfie In the photo, she holds a basketball in front of her belly.

When a fan criticized Jackson’s friends for “implying that you were pregnant,” she clarified, “1. My friends don’t use Twitter. You guys have to stop contacting people for following. 2. You guys jump to conclusions every day, which is hilarious, but I’m a classic ‘rich aunt’ wimp.”

Jackson returned to training on June 3, 2025, and she complained to reporters about all the speculation surrounding her absence.

“You have to be realistic with yourself. Like, at the end of the day, the media doesn’t pay attention to the facts anymore,” she told the outlet. “So that’s just what the media is saying. Just take it with a grain of salt and don’t take it lightly.”

“Whatever sounds the funniest, that’s what people want,” she continued. “Like, I’m obviously pregnant.”

Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts An attempt was made to downplay social media suggestions that Jackson’s absence was due to dissatisfaction with the WNBA team.

“Rickea is an important part of our organization and our team,” Roberts, 50, said. “She is enjoying some private time and we support her. When she is ready to come back, we are excited to have her back.”

Jackson returned to the court after missing two games and even played later in the 2025 season due to a leg injury.