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Falcons player charged in domestic violence incident with WNBA star

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Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round pick, was charged with three felonies by the Miami-Dade (Florida) State Attorney from a Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson. 

Court documents revealed Pearce was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person, all of which are felonies. 

A fourth charge of felony aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor, while a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. 

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James Pearce warms up for game vs Patriots

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)

Pearce, a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year after a successful 2025 season with the Falcons, was arrested near Miami last month after allegedly fleeing officers and crashing his car after what police called a domestic violence incident with Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie team honoree with the Los Angeles Sparks

Jackson was the fourth overall pick of the WNBA Draft out of Tennessee, and she has had early success in her career. 

WNBA PLAYER ‘WILLING TO TESTIFY’ AGAINST EX-BOYFRIEND JAMES PEARCE JR AFTER ALLEGED DOMESTIC DISPUTE

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Pearce is alleged to have crashed his car into another vehicle being driven by Jackson and struck a police officer while he tried to flee law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dad State Attorney’s office. 

Jackson told police she noticed Pearce was following her in a white luxury vehicle, and when she stopped at a red light, the Falcons rookie tried to open her car. Jackson said she started to drive toward the Doral Police Department while Pearce was allegedly following her. Then, as she got closer to the police station, she alleged Pearce cut her off and collided with her head on.  

An officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce once Doral authorities responded to the incident in an attempt to force him to get on the ground. However, he allegedly got back into his car and drove away. 

After crashing his vehicle and being accused of resisting arrest, Pearce spent a night in jail before posting a $20,500 bond and being released on Feb. 8. 

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James Pearce Jr. at State Farm Stadium

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Dec. 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Jackson has since filed an injunction for a protective order against Pearce in Miami-Dade County. She wrote that she was in fear for her life, and if the court didn’t intervene, “James will kill me.”

Jackson also alleged previous verbal and physical abuse from Pearce occurred “on more than one occasion.” She claimed he threatened to kill, harm and injure her, according to court documents. 

Pearce’s attorneys said last month their client “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.”

“We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well,” the attorneys added at the time. 

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James Pearce Jr after a game

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after a game against the New Orleans Saints Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta.  (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)

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A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21 after the court initially granted Jackson her request for protection. Pearce is not allowed to have contact with Jackson or be within 500 feet of her home or place of employment or 100 feet from her vehicle. 

Pearce played all 17 games for the Falcons, racking up 10½ sacks, 26 combined tackles and five passes defended. 

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Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Martin Bakole all on one heavyweight’s hit list: “It’s personal”

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Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Martin Bakole are all being targeted by a world-ranked heavyweight contender, with Bakole representing a particularly “personal” option.

The 34-year-old has not fought since his controversial draw with Efe Ajagba in May, when many believed he should have been handed a points defeat.

Prior to that, Bakole had suffered a second-round stoppage loss to Joseph Parker, who he faced on just two days’ notice, which followed his stunning fifth-round finish over Jared Anderson.

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It was back in 2022, though, that the Congolese giant claimed arguably a more surprising upset victory by edging a majority decision against Tony Yoka.

Back then, this was considered little more than a development fight for Yoka, who had crafted an unbeaten record after claiming gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

After losing to Bakole, though, the Frenchman later suffered split decision defeats to Carlos Takam and Ryad Merhy, before reigniting his career with four wins on the bounce.

Now gearing up to face former world cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie at the Adidas Arena, Paris, on April 25, the 33-year-old hopes to eventually exact his revenge on Bakole.

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Speaking with Playbook Boxing, Yoka – who is of Congolese descent – named Bakole, Joshua and Fury as three potential opponents after his clash with Okolie.

“I need to beat Bakole – that’s personal. That’s the first fight I lost, we’re both from the same country [The Democratic Republic of the Congo] and we need to make that happen over there, in Kinshasa.

“So I need to beat Bakole first, then I would love to fight Anthony. That would be a great fight, just because it would be so big – especially in my country [France]. It would be two Olympic gold medallists fighting in a stadium.

“And why not Tyson Fury? Tyson Fury’s one of the greatest [heavyweight] boxers ever. He’s so strange, but also he’s just too good.”

It is yet to become clear who Joshua will face in his comeback fight, which has been slated for July by Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn.

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Fury, meanwhile, will face Arslanbek Makhmudov at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 after ending his year-long retirement in January.

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India cruise past Wales 4-1, confirm Women’s Hockey World Cup spot | Other Sports News

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The Indian women’s hockey team delivered a commanding 4–1 victory over Wales in their Pool B clash at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad, confirming their place in the upcoming FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup.

 


Star forward Navneet Kaur stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick, while Sakshi Rana opened the scoring at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Stadium on Wednesday evening. With the emphatic win, India not only finished strongly in the pool stage but also secured qualification for the global event set to be held next year in Belgium and the Netherlands.

 
 

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India Start Strong Against Wales

 


India began the match with intensity, overwhelming Wales with aggressive pressing and quick attacking moves.

 

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The breakthrough came in the 7th minute when Salima Tete surged down the right flank and set up Sakshi Rana, who unleashed a powerful reverse hit from the edge of the circle to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.

 


Wales attempted to respond midway through the second quarter but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi produced a crucial save to deny their first penalty corner opportunity.

 

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Just before halftime, Navneet Kaur doubled India’s advantage. The forward converted a penalty corner with a precise low drag-flick in the 29th minute, sending India into the break with a comfortable 2–0 lead.

 


Navneet Kaur Leads the Charge

 

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Navneet continued her outstanding performance in the second half. She added her second goal with another penalty corner conversion, extending India’s lead to 3–0 and firmly putting the hosts in control of the contest.

 


The Indian attack maintained relentless pressure, with players like Sunelita Toppo combining effectively with Sakshi Rana to stretch the Welsh defence.

 

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Wales Show Brief Resistance

 


Wales managed to pull one goal back in the 39th minute through Betsan Thomas, who capitalized on a counterattack and slotted the ball home from a tight angle.

 

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The visitors briefly threatened to close the gap further but India quickly regained control of possession and territory.

 


In the final quarter, Wales had a chance to reduce the deficit after earning a penalty stroke, but the attempt was missed.

 

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Navneet Kaur then wrapped up the match in style by converting a penalty stroke in the 55th minute, completing her hat-trick and sealing India’s dominant 4-1 victory. 

 


India Secure Top Spot in Pool B

 

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The win ensured that India finished top of Pool B in the Hyderabad qualifiers. Importantly, it also helped the hosts avoid a potential semifinal clash with England, giving them a more favorable route as the knockout stages approach.

 


Head coach Joerd Marijne had earlier stressed the need for improved finishing following India’s 2–2 draw against Scotland, and the team responded with a clinical attacking display against Wales.

 

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India will now face Italy in the semifinals as they aim to secure a place in the final of the qualifiers.

 


How India qualified for the Women’s Hockey World Cup before semis?

 

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Qualification for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup is being determined through two separate qualifying tournaments, each featuring eight teams, making 16 teams in total competing for seven World Cup spots.

 


The first qualifying event in Santiago, Chile, has already concluded, with Chile, Australia, and Ireland confirming their World Cup places.

 

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The Hyderabad qualifiers provide three automatic spots for the teams that finish in the top positions.

 


The seventh and final spot is reserved for the highest-ranked team (in the FIH World Rankings) that finishes fourth in either tournament.

 

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In the Santiago event, Japan, currently ranked No. 15 in the world, finished fourth. India, however, are ranked No. 9 in the world.

 


Because of this ranking gap, India would have to suffer a massive points drop from losing their remaining matches to fall below Japan in the rankings, a scenario that is mathematically impossible. As a result, India secured their World Cup qualification even before the semifinals of the Hyderabad event.

 

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A boost ahead of the global stage

 


India’s dominant performance, highlighted by Navneet Kaur’s hat-trick, not only secured a convincing win but also confirmed their participation in the next Women’s Hockey World Cup.

 

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With momentum on their side and a semifinal clash against Italy ahead, the Indian team will now aim to carry this form forward as they prepare for the biggest stage in international women’s hockey.

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What are Cradle Breaches in Warzone Black Ops Royale

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Cradle Breaches are a new gameplay feature added in Warzone Black Ops Royale as a part of the latest update. These are basically hotspot areas on the Avalon map where players can find high-tier loot and take part in some activities during a match. The zones are dangerous as they spawn zombies, powerful bosses, and real opponents. If you manage to complete the activities, you can earn various rewards, including Exotic Weapons and Armors.

Read on to know more about Cradle Breaches in Warzone Black Ops Royale.


Cradle Breaches in Warzone Black Ops Royale: Explained

Cradle Breaches are the new hotspot locations in Warzone Black Ops Royale that offer high-risk, high-reward gameplay. These zones are extremely dangerous as they are filled with hordes of zombies, along with real opponents to face off against. During a match, a jet will fly over the area and drop a Cradle Gas Bomb into the ground.

A still of  Cradle Breaches gameplay in Warzone Black Ops Royale (Image via Activision)A still of  Cradle Breaches gameplay in Warzone Black Ops Royale (Image via Activision)
A still of Cradle Breaches gameplay in Warzone Black Ops Royale (Image via Activision)

Read more: How to get Blundergat & Sundergat Wonder Weapon in Black Ops 7 Zombies Paradox Junction

This drops a tube structure that releases red smoke, which soon covers the surrounding areas. Any players inside the zone will then start hallucinating and encounter zombies. The real challenge during this time is that the zombies can easily distract you, and you’ll struggle to fight actual opponents.

An image showcasing the Mystery Box after defeating zombies  (Image via Activision) An image showcasing the Mystery Box after defeating zombies  (Image via Activision)
An image showcasing the Mystery Box after defeating zombies (Image via Activision)

Check out: All Warzone and Black Ops 7 Season 2 Week 6 Challenges and rewards

The red smoke stays for a certain period of time, and when it clears out, all enemies and reward opportunities disappear. Cradle Breaches also offer players two activities, which are fighting the Mangler and opening the Mystery Box.

The Mangler is a powerful Cradle Boss that offers high-tier loot once you defeat it. To get the Mystery Boxes, you need to defeat the hordes of zombies. Once they are defeated, a wooden box will drop, which contains Exotic Weapons as a reward.

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