As expected, the NFL has suspended Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr., following a February domestic-violence incident that resulted in three felony charges.
The league has announced that it has imposed an eight-game suspension on Pearce, under the Personal Conduct Policy. Per the league, Pearce is eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games. The suspension will begin on August 30, and he will be eligible for reinstatement on Monday, November 2.
The policy provides a baseline suspension of six games for domestic violence. The number can increase due to aggravating circumstances. In this case, Pearce resisted arrest and ultimately drove away from police.
Pearce entered into a diversion program in May, which is one of the automatic triggers for discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy.
The Falcons seemed to know it was coming; their initial depth chart had Pearce listed on the third string.
It's unclear at this point whether Pearce has accepted the punishment and will not appeal, or whether he'll try to reduce the punishment. In various cases, the announced suspension is the result of a negotiation between the team, the player, and the NFL Players Association. Basically, the player accepts something less than what the league would try to secure through the full-blown process created by the Personal Conduct Policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Pearce will be subject to even stronger punishments in the event of another violation, up to and including banishment from the league with the opportunity to apply for reinstatement after one year.