WNBA player Rikea Jackson reported feeling “fearful for her life,” claiming her ex-girlfriend, Falcons first-round pick James Pierce Jr., posed a threat. This information emerged from court filings reviewed by ESPN.
Jackson, a member of the Sparks, sought legal protection against Pierce, a defensive end who faces multiple felony charges stemming from a domestic incident with an ex-boyfriend.
As per ESPN, the 24-year-old WNBA star initially requested a protective order after an altercation wherein Pierce allegedly rammed his white Lamborghini SUV into her vehicle twice.
The court granted this request, and a permanent hearing is set for April 21.
Pierce, 22, is now barred from contacting Jackson or coming within 500 feet of her home and workplace, as well as within 100 feet of her vehicle, according to the report.
Additionally, Jackson has indicated she plans to testify against Pierce in court.
The two former standout players from Tennessee were in a relationship for roughly three years before their breakup, which Jackson noted occurred shortly before the incident.
Reportedly, Pierce had offered her $200,000 to remain together, expressing increasing concerns for his personal safety after their split.
Pierce, who recorded ten and a half sacks in the last season, is accused of repeatedly crashing into Jackson’s car. On February 7, he allegedly hit a police officer while fleeing the scene.
His five felony charges include two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, along with charges of aggravated stalking, fleeing from law enforcement, and assault against a police officer.
Jackson has shared that Pierce “verbally and physically abused me on multiple occasions,” detailing threats against her life, including a specific mention of putting a bag over her head.
She recounted that on one occasion, Pierce followed her home, prompting her to alert the police and drive to a station in Doral, Florida, because she believed he might harm her.
Jackson claimed that Pierce had blocked her car at a traffic light and attempted to force his way inside before climbing onto her vehicle and repeatedly striking it in an effort to push her off the road.
Pierce has a string of traffic violations, including nine stops and a misdemeanor charge for resisting a police officer without assault.
In her filings, Jackson suggested she suspected Pierce of infidelity before her arrest and opted to end their relationship after a January incident where he allegedly pulled her hair and took her belongings, including her phone.
A police report from January 28 in Davie, Florida, corroborates this account.
During a police interview, Pierce acknowledged he had thoughts of infidelity but claimed there had been no physical altercation, allowing Jackson to check his phone.
Jackson noted, “James disregarded my requests and instead threatened and abused me.”
Reports indicate police had responded to at least seven incidents involving Pierce and his ex-girlfriend since November.
Police had previously instructed Pierce not to return to his former residence.
Pierce remains on the Falcons’ roster. The team has stated it is reviewing the situation but will refrain from commenting on ongoing legal matters.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pierce Jr. in Miami,” the Falcons announced in February.
“We are in the process of gathering further information and will not be commenting further on outstanding legal matters at this time.”
