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NFL bans Falcons defender Pearce eight games for domestic violence / Photo: Todd Kirkland - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
NFL bans Falcons defender Pearce eight games for domestic violence
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce was banned for the first eight games of the upcoming 2026 NFL season by the league on Friday following a domestic violence dispute that led to three felony charges.
Pearce, a 22-year-old edge rusher who made a team-high 10.5 quarterback sacks last season as an NFL rookie, violated the league's personal conduct policy.
Police arrested Pearce near Miami in February after a disturbance involving girlfriend Rickea Jackson, a Women's NBA player.
Pearce was changed with three felonies -- aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence -- plus a misdemeanor stalking charge.
Pearce agreed to a six-month intervention program in April with charges potentially dropped if he meets conditions of the program.
Pearce's suspension will begin on August 30, the deadline day for NFL clubs to reduce rosters to the regular-season limit of 53 players.
That will allow Pearce to continue to participate in Falcons pre-season activities.
He would be eligible for reinstatement on November 2 ahead of the Falcons' November 8 game against Cincinnati at Madrid.
O.Gauthier--SMC
