Stefanski stays tight-lipped as Falcons face fallout from James Pearce Jr.’s arrest

Falcons player James Pearce talks to a reporter after a football game
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) is interviewed after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, on Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski introduced the team’s offensive, defensive and special teams coordinators on Wednesday, but not without making a statement on James Pearce Jr.’s arrest first.

“On the James Pearce situation, there’s really nothing to add,” Stefanski said. “Our coaches will defer to the statement that was put out, so respectfully, I understand there’s questions, but we don’t have much to add there.”

Pearce was arrested on Saturday night after what the Doral Police Department said was a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson. He was arrested after crashing his car in an attempt to evade police. He faces five felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking.