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What We Know About Chiefs WR’s Legal Situation

Vaseline September 6, 2024

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to become the first team in history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. To do that, they’ll need consistent production from their wide receivers.

But as the NFL kickoff game approaches, one question lingers about the status of receiver Rashee Rice: Why isn’t he suspended?

On March 30, Rice was allegedly involved in a six-car crash in Dallas that sent two people to the hospital. Rice faces eight charges: one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision with serious bodily injury, and six counts of collision with injury.

The Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night in the NFL Kickoff Game, a replay of last season’s AFC Championship Game, at 8:20 p.m. ET.

Here’s everything you need to know about Rashee Rice’s legal situation:

Why isn’t Rashee Rice suspended?

During a press conference on Aug. 29, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said it was unlikely Rice would be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, effectively a form of paid leave, that would allow him to start the 2024 season on the field.

“We do not anticipate that he will be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list unless there is a material change in the case,” McCarthy said at the time.

Jeff Miller, the NFL’s executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy, added that the league continues to closely monitor developments in Rice’s case.

Typically, the NFL waits until law enforcement has completed its investigation and the legal process has fully played out before imposing a suspension. That said, just because Rice did not face any disciplinary action for his alleged role in the crash does not mean that Rice will not ultimately be punished for his alleged role in the crash. The league may decide to investigate the matter further — regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit — and may choose to impose some form of disciplinary action, whether that be a suspension, a fine, or both.

As for the timing of a potential suspension, it’s hard to say. That depends on the timeline of the lawsuit, as well as the time that any additional investigative work, including potentially interviewing witnesses, the league would undertake.

What is Rashee Rice accused of?

According to a police report obtained by USA TODAY Sports in April, Rice was allegedly involved in a six-vehicle crash. The crash occurred at approximately 6:25 p.m. local time on March 30 on the North Central Expressway in northern Dallas. Police determined that two drivers, one in a Corvette and the other in a Lamborghini, were “speeding in the far left lane” before losing control, causing the Lamborghini to veer onto the shoulder and into the median, causing a “pile-up” involving four other vehicles.

“The occupants of the Lamborghini and Corvette all ran from the scene, without stopping to check for medical assistance or to provide their information,” the police report said.

According to police, two drivers were treated at the scene for minor injuries, while two passengers from another car were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

An investigation by Dallas police revealed that Rice was the driver of the Lamborghini. Police formally issued an arrest warrant for Rice on April 10. Rice cooperated with authorities in the case and eventually turned himself in.

In April, Rice and Teddy Knox, the alleged driver of the Corvette, were sued for more than $10 million in damages by people who said they were “seriously injured” in the crash.

In May, Rice was reportedly suspected in another incident, this time an alleged assault at a Dallas nightclub. The victim later asked that charges not be filed against Rice for his alleged role in that case.

What has Rashee Rice said about his role in the crash?

In April, Rice released a statement apologizing for his role in the matter.

“Today I spoke with investigators from the Dallas Police Department regarding Saturday’s accident,” Rice wrote in a story posted to his verified Instagram page. “I take full responsibility for my part in this case and will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities. I sincerely apologize to everyone affected by Saturday’s accident.”

Earlier, Rice’s attorney, Royce West, confirmed that his client told Dallas police he was driving the Lamborghini involved in the crash.

“He’s a young man who made a mistake,” West said at a news conference at the time, adding that Rice accepted responsibility for his role in the incident and would take steps to help those injured.

Who is Rashee Rice?

Rice, 24, was born in Philadelphia but is from North Richland Hills, a suburb west of Dallas. Rice played football at Richland High School and then went on to play collegiately at Southern Methodist University, which is about a mile from the scene of the car crash.

Rice was a rookie for Kansas City in 2023 and caught 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns, becoming a key offensive piece as the Chiefs cruised to a Super Bowl victory. Rice’s regular-season totals for receptions and receiving yards ranked second on the team, trailing only tight end Travis Kelce, and his receiving touchdown total led the team.

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