Chiefs thrown curveball with Rashee Rice sentencing for Dallas crash — when will he be suspended, and what to expect in 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs just got an update on WR Rashee Rice's legal situation out of the blue. According to multiple reports, Rice was sentenced by a Dallas County judge to five years of probation and 30 days of jail time, which can be served at any time during the five-year probation period. He also paid restitution […]
The Kansas City Chiefs just got an update on WR Rashee Rice's legal situation out of the blue.
According to multiple reports, Rice was sentenced by a Dallas County judge to five years of probation and 30 days of jail time, which can be served at any time during the five-year probation period. He also paid restitution to all victims for medical expenses totaling over $100,000. This ruling was part of a plea agreement (deferred adjudication) with Rice, where he pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges (felony racing on the highway & felony accident causing serious bodily injury). He was never formally criminally sentenced by Dallas County for his involvement in a multi-vehicle crash during the 2024 NFL offseason, and he won't be should he complete the terms of the agreement.
As a result of this ruling in his criminal case, the league can now pursue a suspension against Rice for a first-time violation of the league's personal conduct policy.
How quickly will the league move on a suspension for Chiefs WR Rashee Rice?
The league doesn't have to wait for any more civil legal proceedings to transpire before issuing a suspension for a violation of the league's personal conduct policy. He already settled one civil suit against him for $1 million + attorney's fees.
Chiefs Digest's Matt Derrick shared that team sources expect a suspension of between 2 and 4 games from the NFL. That would align with a typical suspension length for a first-time violation.
Derrick also adds that the league usually takes 60-90 days to review cases before issuing a suspension. With around 50 days to go until Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, it's reasonable to think that the NFL would act quickly here to ensure that Rice serves his suspension to start the 2025 NFL season.
NFL PR Chief Brian McCarthy has issued the following statement: “We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review.”
The Chiefs also issued this statement, via FOX 4 KC's Harold R. Kuntz:“The club is aware of the reports. With it being an ongoing legal matter we won't have a comment at this time.”
Rashee Rice issued the following statement, via his attorney Royce West: "Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas. There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole. I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart.
Last and certainly not least, I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families.”
Any potential suspension would carry a financial penalty for Rice, who stands to lose a minimum of $70,304 per week missed due to suspension, according to Spotrac.
How will the Chiefs handle a Rashee Rice suspension to start the season
This is a bit of a curveball for the Chiefs, but not one that they're unprepared to face. They have two players, veteran WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie WR Jalen Royals, who can fill a similar role should Rice be suspended at the onset of the 2025 NFL season. The fact that Rice could now start the season on the Reserve/Suspended list could allow for Kansas City to keep an extra body in what is considered to be a deep wide receiver room. Frankly, serving any suspension early during the season might be better for the team in the long run, as he is still recovering from an injury that sidelined him for the majority of the 2024 NFL season.