Chiefs WR Rashee Rice confirms suspicions about his penalty vs. Commanders — and he better hope the NFL is listening
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice claims he didn’t intentionally throw the ball at Commanders S Quan Martin.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice confirmed suspicions about his unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the fourth quarter of Week 8 against the Washington Commanders on “Monday Night Football.”
Rice had quite the night in just his second week back from suspension, but there was a single blip. With 12:29 left in the fourth quarter, Patrick Mahomes hit Rice for a 25-yard gain. Rice was flagged and penalized 15 yards after the play was over for throwing the football at the helmet of Commanders S Quan Martin.
The first angle ESPN showed of the play made it look like an egregious, boneheaded, and immature move by Rice. However, upon further review, it appeared that Rice was genuinely trying to throw the football to the official who was motioning for the football. Martin just happened to be in the path.
“Yeah, yeah, I was trying to throw the ball to the ref,” Rice told reporters after the game. “He put his hands out for the ball. But you know, it’s OK. I mean, we won the game. Next play, and that’s all it could be.”
Chiefs HC Andy Reid didn’t seem to buy Rice’s excuse on the sideline, but the third-year receiver better hope the NFL does, or it could hurt his wallet.
The NFL could fine Chiefs WR Rashee Rice for the penalty
Everything was copacetic with Rice following the game, but that doesn’t mean he’ll feel the same way later this week. The NFL could ultimately fine him for this penalty. Rice has not been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct or taunting during his career, so it’ll be a first-time offense if the league decides to fine him.
NFL taunting & unsportsmanlike fine amounts
- Taunting First Offense: $11,593
- Taunting Second Offense: $17,389
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct First Offense: $14,491
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct First Offense: $20,288
Here’s what the NFL has to say about accountability measures and the appeals process…
“Players subject to accountability measures receive a letter informing them of what they did, a video of the play in question, why they are being fined, and how much it will cost them. They also receive information on how to appeal the fine. If they choose not to appeal, the fine is withheld from their next game check.
If a player protests a ruling, he schedules a hearing with the NFL, and his case is assigned to one of the league’s current appeals officers, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. Cases are assigned randomly, so neither side in the appeals process knows who will hear a case. The officer assigned reviews the play and hears the league’s case and the player’s defense. The officer’s decision is final, and the ruling is binding.”
We’ll see what comes of it when the NFL releases fines for Week 8 on Saturday.
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