Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. may face an extended absence from the team due to ongoing legal issues. The linebacker was arrested in March and faced four charges, including three felonies, after an alleged dispute with WNBA star Rickea Jackson.
Although Pearce Jr. received approval for a fast-track path to dismissing his case, his pretrial intervention program has been extended to 12 months instead of six months.
Rickea Jackson has voluntarily withdrawn her request for a permanent restraining order, but Pearce Jr. is still required to stay away from her for the next 12 months.
The NFL has confirmed that Pearce Jr.'s case will be reviewed under the league's personal conduct policy, which can lead to discipline regardless of the legal outcome.
