The NFL's Pattern of Permissiveness: James Pearce's Suspension Raises Questions About Accountability The National Football League has once again faced criticism for its handling of player conduct, following the suspension of Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
for eight games due to a domestic violence arrest in February. Pearce was accused of using his vehicle to repeatedly ram into his ex girlfriend's car during a dispute, and resisting arrest by fleeing on foot.
His ex girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, later filed a petition for a protective order against him, stating she feared for her life during the incident.