Photo of Kizzy Morris, James Pearce Jr, Rickea Jackson
Screengrab, Getty Images

James Pearce Jr.’s mom praised him at NFL Honors, just 2 days before he assaulted his WNBA girlfriend and tried to run her off the road in Miami.

A video of Kizzy Morris’ emotional speech is going viral on social media. In the video, she said James has “a heart of gold” and “deep love” for his family and friends.

“I’m even prouder of the man he’s become. James has a heart of gold, deep love for family and friends and a true resilience in the face of doubt. Junior, man, you have so much success ahead of you. I love you, son,” Kizzy said on Thursday, Feb. 5.


After attending the event, the Atlanta Falcons rookie flew from San Francisco to Miami, where he stalked and assaulted WNBA star Rickea Jackson, 24.

As Rickea frantically drove to a police station in Miami on Saturday, James pursued her and rammed her car with his Lamborghini. He then led police on a brief chase that ended in a crash at NW 103rd Avenue and 66th Street.

James, 22, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (his car), along with aggravated stalking and eluding law enforcement.

He remains at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center awaiting a bond hearing.

The Falcons issued a statement on Saturday, saying, “We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”

Rickea was not injured in the pursuit. The 6-2 Los Angeles Sparks star is in Miami playing for the Breeze BC of the Unrivaled 3×3 women’s basketball league during the off-season.