WNBA fans were caught off guard this weekend after news involving Rickea Jackson and her ex-boyfriend, Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr., surfaced online.
On Saturday, Pearce Jr. was arrested in Miami following an alleged domestic violence incident involving the LA Sparks forward. He was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking.
Once the arrest became public, reactions came fast. Most fans focused on Jackson, sending support her way. Others didn’t read the room.
@Hangin_Banners posted, “Honestly just thank god he’s alive.”
Honestly just thank god he’s alive
— ☘️Psycho Joe Mazzula☘️ (@Hangin_Banners) February 8, 2026
That tone didn’t last.
@NickTeixeira15 followed with, “$100 says he’s says cops were racists.”
Then it escalated.
@CloudStrife0003 wrote, “What a dumb a**, potentially ruining your career over a girl. Bro your tall, in shape, rich, and you play in the NFL, you can have almost any girl you want. I swear, ball players are some of the dumbest people when it comes to dealing with women.”
Jackson and Pearce Jr. met back in 2022 at the University of Tennessee, where both were athletes. Their relationship stayed mostly out of the spotlight until the 2025 NFL Draft, when Jackson appeared alongside Pearce Jr. on draft night.
By September of last year, reports suggested the two had already split. Since the arrest, neither has made a public statement. That hasn’t stopped the conversation.
“Just because she’s pretty don’t mean she ain’t crazy”: WNBA fans debate on Rickea Jackson’s falling out with James Pearce Jr.
The breakup may have happened months ago, but the incident reopened the conversation.
Some comments raised eyebrows immediately.
@DroSmokington said, “just cuz she pretty don’t mean she ain’t crazy.. them 2 things usually go hand n hand.”
Others shut that down.
@boxingcasual101 replied, “Then leave her… you don’t have to put hands on her.”
@ShaqSharpe added, “Putting hands on ANY woman is crazy why are y’all trying to make it seem like it’s worse because she’s attractive and famous?”
As things stand, most WNBA fans have drawn a clear line. Whatever opinions flood social media, the focus remains on Jackson’s well-being — not speculation, not excuses, not jokes.
