James Pearce Jr. of the Falcons is facing three felony charges

Falcons Rusher James Pierce Jr. Faces Charges in Incident with WNBA Player

James Pierce Jr., a 22-year-old edge rusher for the Falcons, is facing four charges connected to an incident involving WNBA player Rikea Jackson, based on court documents reviewed.

His charges include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing from police, and resisting arrest with violence, all of which are felonies.

Initially, there was a felony charge for aggravated stalking, but that has been changed to a misdemeanor. Additionally, a charge related to aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer was dropped.

On February 7, it is alleged that Pierce followed Jackson in his white Lamborghini SUV, repeatedly colliding with her car while she was en route to a police station in Doral, Florida.

According to arrest records, after fleeing the scene, Pierce crashed his vehicle at an intersection and attempted to escape from officers on foot.

He was taken into custody and spent the night in the county correctional center before being released on a $20,500 bail the following day.

Jackson, who plays for the Sparks, filed for a non-disclosure order injunction against Pierce on February 9.

Jackson expressed concern that Pierce was “going to kill me” and claimed to be in “fear for his life,” as noted in documents reviewed by ESPN.

Her request for a protective order was temporarily granted, with a permanent hearing set for April 21.

As part of the injunction, Pierce is not allowed to contact Jackson, 24, or approach her home, workplace, or vehicle within specified distances, as reported.

Pierce and Jackson had been dating for about three years while attending the University of Tennessee but broke up shortly before this troubling episode. Jackson also claims Pierce offered her $200,000 to remain with him, and his concerns for her safety increased after their split.