WNBA fans rallied around Rickea Jackson after troubling news involving her boyfriend, Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr., became public over the weekend.
Pearce Jr. was arrested in Miami on Saturday and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, along with aggravated stalking. The charges are tied to an alleged domestic violence incident involving Jackson.
As the news spread, support poured in from across the league. Angel Reese was one of the many who reacted, posting praying emojis on X. That alone sparked another wave of commentary online — some supportive, others not so much.
A few fans immediately shifted the focus back to Reese.
@EddieCole1776 joked, “Practice NOT prayer will make those layups go in. So, say goodbye to the Me-Bounds.”
Practice NOT prayer will make those layups go in. So, say goodbye to the Me-Bounds.
— Edward Wallace (@EddieCole1776) February 8, 2026
Others weren’t interested in jokes at all.
@JulianSando22 replied, “For once in my life, I appreciate you, Angel. Prayers for Rickea and her family.”
@jonesydwbb stepped in to shut things down, saying, “Y’all need to stop all that negative shit on here. These women are human and have feelings!”
Reese and Jackson have had plenty of on-court tension over the years, but none of that mattered here. Reese showed support, and many fans felt that was the only thing worth acknowledging in a situation this serious.
“Nobody knows them better but themselves”: WNBA fans appreciate Angel Reese’s advice to Carmelo Anthony’s son
Angel Reese stayed in the spotlight for a very different reason not long after, thanks to a moment from her Unapologetically Angel Podcast.
During a conversation with Kiyan Anthony, the son of Carmelo Anthony and La La Anthony, Reese offered some blunt advice about navigating life and relationships as a young athlete.
“When you go to the league [NBA], this is coming from sis, even when you in college, you need to be careful with these women,” Reese said.
That clip quickly made the rounds.
@JesusRi11138531 posted, “W if a woman tells you something about woman listen nobody knows them better but themselves.”
@TheHost_ joked, “she’s speaking from experience.”
@Ghatohwo added, “Kiyan getting life lessons early.”
Between showing support in a serious moment and keeping things real in a lighter one, Reese once again found herself at the center of conversation — praised by some, criticized by others, but impossible to ignore.
