Falcons’ DC Ulbrich ‘obviously disappointed’ by Pearce’s arrest

Atlanta– Falcon Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said Wednesday he was “obviously disappointed” with the edge rusher’s news. James Pierce Jr.The arrest took place on Saturday.

Asked if the Falcons should be prepared to not add Pierce in the short term, Ulbrich said he couldn’t say. The Falcons’ voluntary offseason program will begin in April.

“It’s still very early,” Ulbricht said at a previously scheduled news conference for Falcons coordinators. “Either way we’re not there yet.”

New head coach Kevin Stefanski began the press conference by saying he and his assistant coaches had “nothing to add” on Pierce’s situation other than the Falcons’ Saturday statement.

Pierce is faces five felony charges in Florida in connection with an alleged domestic dispute with ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickia Jackson, including assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking.

Pearce, 22, allegedly hit Jackson’s car multiple times with his SUV and was arrested after a pursuit when he allegedly struck a police officer in the knee with his vehicle. Pierce is also being charged with battery on a law enforcement officer.

The team said that it is gathering information on the matter. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN on Monday that the league is “in contact [the Falcons] “Regarding this matter which will be reviewed under the Personal Conduct Policy.”

As a rookie last season, Pierce was a major contributor to the Falcons’ defense. He had a franchise-record 10½ sacks, the most for a first-year player Micah Parsons In 2021. The Falcons had a franchise-record total of 57 sacks.