HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed linebacker James Pearce Jr.’s suspension during Monday’s practice session.
League officials suspended Pearce for eight regular-season games for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. Pearce was arrested in Florida in February following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
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He later agreed to a pre-trial intervention program to avoid a trial and have his three felony charges dropped.
Pearce is allowed to practice and play in preseason games only until August 30. He will be eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 2.
Stefanski told reporters that they are trusting the process and following what the league’s guidance.
“And I’ll make sure that we’re in total compliance with those type of things. I think James, for his part on this football team, has done everything that I’ve asked him to do. Everything that coaches have asked him to do. And we’ll just continue to follow the protocols,” he said.
Stefanski says they will play him in the preseason games and get reps under his belt.
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