Rickea Jackson at center of investigation after Florida incident involving NFL rookie

Rickea Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, is at the center of a fast-moving legal story after a Florida incident over the weekend led to the arrest of Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. The case has drawn wide attention because it involves a prominent WNBA player in the middle of an alleged domestic dispute that escalated into a police chase and a crash.

Authorities have not announced any charges against Jackson. Public updates have focused on the allegations involving Pearce, while Jackson has not issued a public statement as of Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 (ET).

What authorities say happened in Doral

Police say they responded Saturday night, Feb. 7, 2026 (ET), to a reported domestic dispute in Doral, Florida, involving Pearce and Jackson. Investigators allege Pearce fled officers in a vehicle, triggering a pursuit that ended when his vehicle crashed.

In accounts released through law enforcement and court documentation, investigators allege the incident also involved aggressive vehicle contact directed toward a car Jackson was driving. Some details remain unclear publicly, including the sequence of events before police arrived and the extent of any injuries, if any.

Charges filed against Pearce

Pearce faces multiple felony charges connected to the allegations and the pursuit. Court and police information describes accusations that include violence involving a vehicle and conduct that authorities classify as stalking, as well as fleeing law enforcement.

Charges listed publicly include:

• Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon

• Aggravated stalking

• Fleeing or eluding law enforcement

• Aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer

• Resisting arrest (without violence)

An attorney for Pearce has publicly maintained his innocence. Pearce posted bond totaling $20,500 and was released, based on jail and court updates.

What’s known about Jackson’s status

Jackson is a 24-year-old Sparks forward and a rising name in the WNBA, drafted No. 4 overall in 2024. She averaged 14.7 points per game in the 2025 season and was a regular starter. The Sparks have not announced any change to her basketball availability in connection with the incident.

No official medical update about Jackson has been released in public reporting tied to the arrest. If injuries occurred, they have not been formally detailed in widely distributed official statements as of Feb. 9 (ET). Jackson’s representatives have not issued a public comment.

Team and league response so far

The Falcons have acknowledged the arrest and indicated they are gathering more information. The Sparks have not released a detailed public statement addressing the incident.

The WNBA does not typically comment on ongoing legal matters involving players unless there is a league process triggered or a public safety issue requiring immediate action. Any league discipline discussion, if it occurs, generally depends on verified findings and formal procedures.

What happens next: court process and public updates

The next developments are expected to come through the court system: initial hearings, potential modifications to bond conditions, and the filing of any additional documents that clarify allegations and timelines. Law enforcement agencies can also issue supplemental statements if new evidence or witness accounts are introduced.

For Jackson, the near-term impact is likely to be practical rather than procedural: security planning, privacy concerns, and the challenge of continuing offseason training and preparation as attention spikes. The Sparks’ training camp timeline is still ahead, and there is no public indication that her basketball schedule has changed.

Jackson has built momentum early in her pro career, and the next few weeks will test how quickly public attention shifts back to basketball. For now, the legal case is moving faster than the basketball calendar, with the most consequential updates likely to be court-driven and date-specific.

Sources consulted: Associated Press, ESPN, CBS News, WNBA