Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice spent the first six games of the season on the sidelines as he served out a suspension for his convictions related to a street-racing incident, but could be looking at even more substantial punishment after new allegations arose.
Rice faced an accusation of abuse from Dacoda Jones, the mother of his two children, who detailed the allegations in an Instagram post. She included images of bruises and scratches on her face and body, not naming Rice explicitly but saying she faced abuse while she was pregnant.
âIâm so tired of keeping quiet Iâm so tired of protecting his image,” Jones wrote. “Iâve been through enough in the span of 8 years and Iâve had ENOUGH! Iâve dealt with abuse for years, me and this man decided to break up a couple months ago and itâs been nothing but hell.”
While there are no apparent criminal charges against Rice, one analyst speculated that he could still face a major suspension from the NFL.
Rashee Rice Could Be Treated as Repeat Offender
SI.com’s Zak Gilbert noted that the NFL could treat Rice as a repeat offender given his six-game suspension after pleading guilty to two felony charges related to a 2024 crash that left people injured.
“Rice would join a group of several players whoâve faced multiple investigations under the personal conduct policy, including Ezekiel Elliott, Antonio Brown, Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs,” Gilbert wrote.
Gilbert wrote that this would mean a “substantial” suspension for Rice, up to an entire season.
“And because the league tends to come down harder on repeat offenders, thereâs a possibility the NFL would levy a substantial suspension this time, perhaps a full season,” Gilbert wrote.
Gilbert added that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has wide latitude to issue suspensions for players accused of domestic abuse, even when no criminal charges are brought. That was the case recently with Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller, who was suspended for four games after facing allegations of abuse that resulted in an initial arrest, but no further criminal proceedings.
“The policy, which originated with Roger Goodellâs tenure as NFL commissioner, evolved in 2014 to specifically address domestic violence,” Gilbert wrote. “As a result of those changes, every player and league employee are required to complete anti-domestic violence education and training.”
Chiefs Face Decision on Rashee Rice’s Future
The Chiefs could be forced to make their own decision on Rice, who has performed well when he’s been able to stay on the field but hampered by his suspension and a significant knee injury. Gilbert wrote that the Chiefs could consider cutting ties.
“Itâs also not out of the realm of possibility, especially after Wednesdayâs allegations, that the Chiefs would consider releasing Rice,” Gilbert wrote. “The ramifications of such a move would not hurt the team financially, resulting in less than $500,000 in dead money on their cap.”
Cutting ties with Rice would leave a significant hole in the offense. which could have an even greater impact should tight end Travis Kelce decide to retire.
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