The NFL has suspended Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. for eight regular-season games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday. The suspension follows Pearce's February arrest in a domestic dispute involving his then-girlfriend, Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson.
Pearce entered a diversion or intervention program in April or May, per various reports, which triggered the disciplinary process. One outlet reported that the charge involved a weapon felony, though this detail appeared in only one report and was not confirmed across outlets.
Per reporting from The Athletic, the Falcons were not planning to have Pearce active early in the season, with the player mostly working with the team's third-string unit as the suspension loomed.