Why isn't Rashee Rice suspended? What we know about Chiefs WR's legal situation
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to become the first team in history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. To do so, they will need steady production from their wide receivers.
But as the NFL kickoff game approaches, one question is lingering about the status of receiver Rashee Rice; namely, 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 is facing eight charges: one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury.
The Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night in the NFL kickoff game, a rematch 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:
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Why isn't Rashee Rice suspended?
During a press conference August 29, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said it is unlikely Rice would be placed on the commissioner's exempt list, which is essentially a form of paid leave, paving the way for him to start the 2024 season on the field.
"We don’t anticipate he’ll be placed on commissioner’s exempt (list) unless there is a material change in the case," McCarthy said then.
NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy Jeff Miller added, however, that the league continues to monitor any developments in Rice's case.
Typically, the NFL has waited for law enforcement to conclude its investigations and the legal process to play out entirely before levying any type of suspension. That said, just because Rice has not faced discipline for his alleged role in the crash, it does not mean he eventually won't. The league may decide to further investigate the matter — regardless of the outcome of the legal case — and could opt to impose some type of discipline, whether that be a suspension, fine, or both.
As far as the timing of any potential suspension, it is difficult to tell. That will depend on the timeline of the legal case, as well as the time that any additional investigative work, including potentially interviewing witnesses, that the league would undertake.
What is Rashee Rice accused of?
According to a police summary obtained in April by USA TODAY Sports, Rice was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run incident involving six cars. The crash took place March 30 at around 6:25 p.m. local time on 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 the drivers lost control, causing the Lamborghini to veer onto the shoulder and hit the center median wall. That caused a "chain reaction collision" that involved four other cars.
"The occupants of the Lamborghini and the Corvette all ran from the scene without stopping to determine if anyone needed medical help or providing their information," according to the police summary.
Police added that two drivers were treated on the scene for minor injuries, while two passengers from a different car were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
An investigation by Dallas police determined 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 matter 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 say they were "severely injured" in the crash.
Then, in May, Rice was reportedly suspected in another incident, this time an alleged assault at a Dallas nightclub. The victim later asked for charges not to be filed against Rice for his alleged role in that matter.
What has Rashee Rice said about his role in the crash?
In April, Rice issued a statement apologizing for his role in the matter.
"Today I met with Dallas PD investigators regarding Saturday's accident," Rice wrote in a story posted to his verified Instagram page. "I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities. I sincerely apologize to everyone impacted in Saturday's accident."
Previously, Rice's attorney, Royce West, had confirmed that his client told Dallas police that he was driving the Lamborghini involved in the accident.
"He's a young man that made a mistake," West said then in a news conference, adding that Rice accepted responsibility for his role in the incident and would take steps to assist those who were 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 played collegiately at Southern Methodist University, which is located about a mile from the site of the car crash.
Rice was a rookie in 2023 for Kansas City and caught 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns, becoming an important offensive piece as the Chiefs went on their run to a Super Bowl victory. Rice's regular-season totals for receptions and yards ranked second on the team, behind only tight end Travis Kelce, and his receiving touchdown total led the team.
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