Rickea Jackson filed for protective order against James Pearce, saying she fears for her life

WNBA player Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks filed a petition for protection against ex-boyfriend James Pearce of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, expressing fears about her safety.

Pearce faces five felony charges stemming from an incident with Jackson on Feb. 7 in South Florida that police referred to as a domestic dispute. Jackson said in the petition that Pearce's threats toward her began before that.

“Due to his obsessive, insecure, violent and aggressive behavior, ending the relationship has been difficult and I am afraid for my life,” Jackson said in the petition filed in the 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County in Florida. “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.”

Pearce is charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking, as well as fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren.

Attorney Jacob Nunez has said Pearce “maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story.”

Jackson in the petition said Pearce snatched her phone, pulled her hair and took her belongings, at which point she decided to end their relationship.

She described a pattern of harassing behavior leading up to Feb. 7, including Pearce offering her $75,000 to visit him and $200,000 to remain in a relationship with him, according to the petition. Jackson said she was driving when she noticed Pearce following her in his car and “began driving his vehicle erratically, at high speeds chasing after me.”

Jackson said in the petition she began driving to the Doral Police Department because she feared Pearce would hurt her. She said Pearce repeatedly struck her vehicle with his before getting to the station.

"I am in fear of my life and I believe, if this court does not assist me with this issue, James will kill me,” Jackson said in the documents.

Jackson, 24, is two years into her WNBA career. She said she and Pearce began dating when they were at the University of Tennessee together.

Pearce, 22, was the No. 26 pick in the draft last year. He had 10 1/2 sacks and his 45 quarterback pressures set a Falcons rookie record, playing in all 17 regular-season games.

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