Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) celebrates after a victory over the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
WNBA fans are still uneasy about what’s next for Rickea Jackson, even after new court details came out involving her ex, Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr.
According to Fox Sports’ Andy Slater, Pearce Jr. made his first court appearance while appearing from jail, where a judge set his total bond at $20,500 and issued a stay-away order from Jackson.
On paper, that sounds like progress. Online, though, fans weren’t convinced it actually changes much.
@dfaustt didn’t mince words, saying, “20k? She might be dead by Monday.”
@1keezybaby echoed the concern, adding, “Women really ain’t protected in this world they really think a restraining order gon do anything?”
And @OilyBigDog pointed to the severity of the situation, writing, “Bro destroyed his Lamborghini to stop her from going to the cops, and you think 20k is going to keep him on a leash? Pathetic.”
WNBA Fans React After Rickea Jackson’s BF James Pierce Jr. Is Charged Following Lamborghini Crash During Alleged Stalking. Photo credits: Imagn
The case first grabbed headlines over the weekend, when details surfaced about the breakup between Jackson and Pearce Jr. According to reports, Pearce allegedly couldn’t accept the split and began stalking Jackson, eventually rear-ending her vehicle as she tried to reach police.
Pearce Jr. was later arrested in Miami and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, along with aggravated stalking, all tied to the incident involving the LA Sparks forward.
“Rookie mistake”: WNBA fans mock Rickea Jackson’s ex-boyfriend after their viral video resurfaced
As if the situation wasn’t already disturbing enough, a video from a few weeks earlier began making the rounds again online.
In the clip, Pearce Jr. is seen asking Jackson for a kiss on camera. She appears reluctant, eventually giving a brief one. In hindsight, many fans saw it as a warning sign.
Sep 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) against the Phoenix Mercury during a WNBA game at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
@same__ol_G joked, “Rookie mistake. Women dont like being posted unless they see it first and approve. They want their angles right, Hair and lips gotta be on point or they dont like it. Never ambush em with a upload like that when they’re chillin.”
@mb_holli took a much darker view, saying, “He’s exhibiting all the signs of an insecure man. Not only does he need to put her on camera, but the world needs to see him kiss her. Stay with him and violence will follow!”
Not every reaction came from a place of mockery or anger, though.
@NFLNumbersGuy struck a more measured tone, writing, “This is an awful story and situation. I hope nothing but the best for Rickea and I hope James Pearce gets the help that he needs.”
May 16, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (left) dribbles against Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
For now, Jackson has remained silent publicly. Fans, meanwhile, continue to question whether a bond and a stay-away order are enough — or if this is a situation that still carries real danger beyond the courtroom.
Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
