There is a side of professional sports that we do not get to see, but we get to speak up for. Sometimes, female athletes live a life full of lights and color when they perform their beloved sport, only to return home to a dark, tragic, dangerous, and threatening environment. That is the situation of Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson, who is seeking a permanent injunction for protection against her ex-boyfriend, Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr.
In a scary statement (obtained by ‘TMZ’) to the court, the 24-year-old WNBA star expressed a level of terror that goes far beyond any stupid gossip magazines. Jackson explicitly told the judge that she is in fear for her life, stating bluntly: “James will kill me.”
A story taken from a horror movie
The temporary restraining order, which was granted on February 9, follows a violent incident on February 7 in Doral, Florida. However, after Jackson’s testimony, we understand that these dangerous situations had been mounting for months.
According to the filings, Jackson and Pearce Jr. had been in an “on-again, off-again” relationship for roughly three years. She claims that since she attempted to end the relationship, the harassment has been constant and relentless. She explained with many details a pattern of psychological and physical abuse.
“James has threatened to kill me, James has threatened to harm me, James has threatened to injure me, James has threatened to place a bag over my head, and James has verbally and physically abused me on more than one occasion
In those allegations, Jackson said that Pearce Jr. threatened to “place a bag over her head” and repeatedly vowed to kill, harm, or injure her. Actually, three weeks before his arrest, Jackson claims Pearce Jr. attacked her at a gas station, taking her phone away and pulling her hair after falsely accusing her of cheating. Imagine how odd the situation is that on the morning of Feb. 7, Pearce Jr. allegedly offered Jackson upwards of $200,000 just to remain with him.
What the hell is going on…
A car chase in Doral
There are also reports saying that Jackson noticed Pearce Jr. following her in a white Lamborghini SUV in the early hours of February 7. As soon as she stopped at a red light, he reportedly jumped out of his car and began banging on her window, aggressively asking her to get out. She drove to the Doral Police Department, where the drama escalated.
Pearce Jr. allegedly used his vehicle to ram the back of Jackson’s car twice. Then, he used the Lamborghini to strike her vehicle head-on, blocking her path to safety, and when police finally arrived, he struck an officer’s knee with his car while fleeing the scene… He ended up being caught and was put in cuffs before being sent off to jail.
James Pearce Jr’s future is in jeopardy as he faces many serious felony charges, such as: Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon; Aggravated stalking; Aggravated battery of a Law Enforcement officer, and fleeing and eluding police.
The WNBA community has rallied around Rickea Jackson, whose lawyers stated she is willing to testify to ensure justice is served. Jackson is now being lauded not for her points on the court, but for her courage in speaking out against domestic violence.
Readers, if you feel in danger at home, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting “START” to 88788. Stay safe.
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