Rickea Jackson boyfriend questions grow after James Pearce Jr. Miami arrest
Rickea Jackson and her boyfriend, NFL rookie James Pearce Jr., are at the center of a fast-moving legal case after Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in the Miami area. The allegations involve a domestic dispute, a vehicle collision sequence, and an encounter with police that led to multiple felony charges.
As of Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 (ET), no conviction has occurred, and Pearce Jr.’s attorney has said he maintains his innocence. Jackson has not issued a public statement.
What the arrest involves
Court documents describe an incident that began with Jackson contacting police after she said Pearce Jr. had been following her. The complaint alleges Pearce Jr. struck Jackson’s vehicle with his SUV during the incident. Police also allege that while attempting to evade officers, Pearce Jr. struck a law enforcement officer with his vehicle and then fled before being taken into custody.
Pearce Jr. faces five felony charges that include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police, and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer. The “deadly weapon” language in the battery counts is tied to the alleged use of a vehicle.
Pearce Jr. was released after posting bond totaling $20,500.
Rickea Jackson boyfriend: where things stand
Public interest in “Rickea Jackson boyfriend” has surged because the alleged victim named in the complaint is Jackson, a WNBA player, and the accused is a high-profile NFL rookie. Investigators have described the relationship as the context for the dispute, and some accounts frame the pair as having recently broken up, while other references describe them as dating at the time of the incident.
What is clear from the legal filings is narrower: Jackson is identified as the complainant tied to the alleged events that led to Pearce Jr.’s arrest. Any additional relationship details beyond that remain not publicly confirmed in a way that resolves whether the couple was together or newly separated at the time.
James Pearce Jr, James Pearce, and the “James Pierce” confusion
Many searches include “James Pearce,” “James Pearce Jr,” “James Pierce,” and “James Pierce Jr.” The player involved in this case is James Pearce Jr. The “Pierce” spelling appears in some social media and search queries, but the legal records and team references use “Pearce.”
If you’re trying to verify identity, the most reliable markers are the “Jr.” suffix, his status as an NFL rookie, and the charges filed in Miami-Dade County tied to the incident involving Jackson.
Timeline of key public milestones
| Date (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb. 7, 2026 | Pearce Jr. arrested in the Miami area following the incident described in the complaint |
| Feb. 8, 2026 | Bond posted totaling $20,500; Pearce Jr. released |
| Feb. 9, 2026 | Attorney statement reiterates Pearce Jr. maintains innocence; league review referenced under conduct policy |
What to watch next
The next steps typically move on two tracks: the criminal case and any league or team action. In the criminal process, the immediate markers are court appearances, conditions of release (including any no-contact or stay-away provisions, if ordered), and whether prosecutors refine or amend charges as evidence is reviewed.
On the sports side, teams and leagues often wait for more complete information before making long-term decisions, but administrative steps—such as leave, roster decisions, or discipline—can occur as the case develops.
For Jackson, the near-term focus will likely be personal safety and legal protections, while the WNBA calendar and team obligations may affect where and when she appears publicly. For Pearce Jr., the combination of felony charges and an alleged incident involving police raises the risk of swift employment consequences even before the court process concludes.
Sources consulted: ESPN, Associated Press, CBS News, The Guardian
