Vols star DE Pearce jailed throughout traffic stop

• Chris Low, ESPN Senior Citizen WriterDec 4, 2023, 07:37 PM ET

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  • College football press reporter
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2007
  • Graduate of the University of Tennessee

Tennessee All-SEC protective end James Pearce Jr. was detained Monday during a traffic stop after disobeying orders from cops, according to a Knoxville Authorities Department event report.Police stated they clocked Pearce taking a trip 63 mph in a 35 mph zone and that his vehicle had an ended North Carolina short-term tag. As soon as Pearce was pulled over, cops determined that he was driving on a suspended license out of North Carolina and said he stopped working to provide recognition or evidence of insurance.According to the report, Pearce had to be told several times to turn off his car and to get out of the vehicle. Cops said they then discussed to Pearce that his automobile was being towed and asked if there was anything prohibited inside or any personal effects he needed. At that point, cops said they instructed Pearce to stand at the front of the police vehicle with helping officers.The officer stated that as he returned to look in the front seat of Pearce’s automobile, Pearce started to walk back toward his lorry and was apprehended by the assisting officers without occurrence. Pearce was then arrested and his lorry took, the report said.Pearce was transported to Knox County Detention Facility and charged with speeding, driving on a suspended license, failure to present insurance coverage, registration not correctly shown and improper window tinting.A spokesperson for the university released a statement saying,” We understand the incident involving James Pearce Jr., and we are waiting for more details.”Pearce, a 6-foot-5, 242-pound sophomore, led Tennessee in tackles for loss (13), sacks (8.5 )and quarterback rushes(15)this season. His 8.5 sacks ranked third among SEC players.Tennessee, ranked No. 21 in the last College Football Playoff rankings, will deal with No. 17 Iowa on Jan. 1 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.