Falcons EDGE James Pearce Jr. has been entered into a diversion program by the Miami-Dade prosecutor's office, avoiding felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking.
Pearce had stalked former girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Crashing into her vehicle then pulling out and around to block her as she attempted to drive to a police station. With police on scene, Pearce pushed an officer, jumped into his vehicle and fled, then crashed at an intersection two blocks away before being apprehended.
Assistant state attorney Andres Perez said the determining factors for the diversion program were Pierce's first offense with no history of violence, the fact no one was injured, the consensus among law enforcement that the program would be appropriate, and a determination that Pearce was in a mental-health crisis.
Pearce program includes under a restraining order; he can not have any contact with Jackson.
The NFL said it was aware of the development in Pearce's case, but that it was still investigating Pearce for violation of the league's personal conduct policy.
My take: He's lucky such a thing exists. He was in deeeep trouble. Here's hoping it's the right decision and that the young man can be a productive member of society moving forward. I would expect a suspension coming from the NFL, considering the incident overall, but nothing more than two to four games.
THE ASYLUM
Falcons' Pearce gets break
Falcons EDGE James Pearce Jr. has been entered into a diversion program by the Miami-Dade prosecutor's office, avoiding felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking.
Pearce had stalked former girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Crashing into her vehicle then pulling out and around to block her as she attempted to drive to a police station. With police on scene, Pearce pushed an officer, jumped into his vehicle and fled, then crashed at an intersection two blocks away before being apprehended.
Assistant state attorney Andres Perez said the determining factors for the diversion program were Pierce's first offense with no history of violence, the fact no one was injured, the consensus among law enforcement that the program would be appropriate, and a determination that Pearce was in a mental-health crisis.
Pearce program includes under a restraining order; he can not have any contact with Jackson.
The NFL said it was aware of the development in Pearce's case, but that it was still investigating Pearce for violation of the league's personal conduct policy.
My take: He's lucky such a thing exists. He was in deeeep trouble. Here's hoping it's the right decision and that the young man can be a productive member of society moving forward. I would expect a suspension coming from the NFL, considering the incident overall, but nothing more than two to four games.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!