The NFL isn't taking this Friday off, that's for sure.
On Friday afternoon, ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news that Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. is facing an eight-game suspension from the NFL. He was arrested in February for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and resisting an officer with violence. This incident stemmed from him allegedly following his ex-girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson.
"Pearce allegedly followed the car of Jackson, his ex-girlfriend, and repeatedly used his vehicle to collide with hers as she attempted to reach the Doral (Florida) police station," ESPN reported. "After being confronted by a police officer, Pearce allegedly fled in his vehicle and took police on a chase before crashing at an intersection. He fled the vehicle on foot before being subdued by officers and then allegedly resisted arrest."
Pearce, the 26th pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, had 26 tackles and 10.5 sacks during his rookie season. His absence will definitely hurt the Falcons, especially with Jalon Walker already sidelined with an ACL injury.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images.
Who else has been suspended?
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis has also been suspended this Friday. He'll miss the first three games of the year for violating the substance abuse policy.
Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong, who had 5.5 sacks in seven games last season, has been suspended one game for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
The NFL has also suspended Tennessee Titans safety Nazeeh Johnson six games for violating its performance-enhancing substances policy.
