Falcons say they are gathering information after James Pearce arrested in domestic dispute

The Atlanta Falcons are investigating following the arrest of pass rusher James Pearce Jr. in Miami on Saturday. Pearce faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police. The incident began with a domestic dispute call, resulting in Pearce leading police on a chase that ended in a car crash. He is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Pearce, drafted by the Falcons in the first round last year, played all 17 games in his rookie season, achieving 10.5 sacks and finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Alongside the criminal charges, Pearce will be subject to an NFL investigation under the league's personal conduct policy, potentially leading to a suspension.