Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice may eventually face disciplinary action from the NFL, but it appears that he will be eligible to start the upcoming season. Rice is currently embroiled in legal troubles, including eight felony charges related to a multi-car accident in March. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, the NFL has a history of waiting until legal proceedings are fully resolved before issuing any punishments, and it seems that Rice’s case will follow a similar path.
The charges against Rice stem from an incident where he was allegedly involved in a high-speed race on the freeway. According to reports, Rice lost control of his vehicle, leading to a crash that caused multiple injuries. After the accident, Rice and others involved reportedly fled the scene. This incident alone could result in significant legal consequences for the 24-year-old wide receiver.
Adding to Rice’s legal woes, he was also accused in May of assaulting a photographer outside a nightclub in Dallas, Texas. The photographer claimed that Rice had invited him back to the club under the pretense of a job offer. Upon the photographer’s return, Rice allegedly handed him a phone and then punched him in the face. However, the photographer later decided not to press charges, potentially sparing Rice from further legal complications in that case.
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Despite these serious allegations, the NFL has indicated that it will not place Rice on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which would have required him to stay away from the team while still being paid.
According to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy and executive vice president of communications Jeff Miller, no decision will be made regarding Rice’s status until his legal case is resolved. This suggests that any potential suspension or other disciplinary action will likely be delayed until the legal process is complete.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, this development is significant. Rice had an impressive rookie season last year, recording 79 catches for 938 yards and 7 touchdowns. As the team’s No. 1 wide receiver heading into the new season, his availability is crucial to the Chiefs’ offensive plans, especially with high expectations for him to build on his strong rookie performance.
While it seems likely that Rice will face some form of punishment from the NFL eventually, the timing of that discipline remains uncertain. For now, he will be able to start the season on the field, providing a key weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense. However, the looming possibility of a suspension still hangs over Rice and the team, adding a layer of uncertainty to their season.
Given the gravity of the charges against him, it would not be surprising if Rice eventually receives a suspension, but for now, the Chiefs can count on him being available as they prepare for the 2024 season.
