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The Kansas City Chiefs want to become the first team in history to win three Super Bowls in a row. To do so, their wide receivers must perform consistently well.
But as the NFL’s kickoff game approaches, one question remains about the status of receiver Rashee Rice: Why is he not suspended?
On March 30, Rice was allegedly involved in a six-car crash in Dallas that left two people hospitalized. Rice faces eight charges: one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision resulting in serious bodily injury and six counts of collision resulting in personal injury.
The Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night at 8:20 p.m. ET for the NFL Kickoff Game, a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game.
Here’s everything you need to know about Rashee Rice’s legal situation:
Why is Rashee Rice not suspended?
During a press conference on Aug. 29, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said it was unlikely that Rice would be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, which is essentially a form of paid leave, which would pave the way for him to begin 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.
However, Jeff Miller, NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy, added that the league continues to monitor all developments in the Rice case.
Typically, the NFL waits until the law enforcement investigation is complete and the court process is over before imposing a suspension. But that doesn’t mean Rice won’t face discipline for his alleged role in the accident. The league may choose to investigate the matter further – regardless of the outcome of the court process – and could opt for some type of disciplinary action, whether it’s a suspension, a fine or both.
It is difficult to say when a suspension would be imposed, as it would depend on the timing of the legal process and the amount of time the league would spend on further investigations, including potentially interviewing witnesses.
What is Rashee Rice accused of?
According to a police report obtained by USA TODAY Sports in April, Rice was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run crash involving six cars. The crash occurred on March 30 at around 6:25 p.m. local time on the North Central Expressway in north Dallas. Police found 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 median wall. This caused a “chain reaction” involving four more cars.
“The occupants of the Lamborghini and Corvette all ran from the scene of the accident without stopping to determine if anyone needed medical attention or to pass on their information,” the police summary said.
Police added that 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 determined that Rice was the driver of the Lamborghini. On April 10, police issued a warrant for Rice’s arrest. 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 said they were “seriously injured” in the accident.
Then in May, Rice was reportedly suspected in another incident, this time an alleged assault at a Dallas nightclub. The victim later asked that no charges be filed against Rice for his alleged role in the matter.
What did Rashee Rice say about his role in the crash?
In April, Rice apologized in a statement for his role in the matter.
“Today I met with investigators from the Dallas Police Department regarding Saturday’s accident,” Rice wrote in a story posted on his verified Instagram page. “I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities. I sincerely apologize to everyone affected by Saturday’s accident.”
Previously, Rice’s lawyer Royce West confirmed that his client had told Dallas police that he was the driver of the Lamborghini involved in the accident.
“He’s a young man who made a mistake,” West said at a press conference at the time, adding that Rice takes responsibility for his role in the incident and will 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 played collegiately at Southern Methodist University, which is about a mile from the accident scene.
Rice was a rookie for Kansas City in 2023 and caught 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns, becoming a key offensive player as the Chiefs en route to a Super Bowl victory. Rice’s regular-season reception and yard totals were second on the team, trailing only tight end Travis Kelce, and his total receiving touchdowns were the team’s best.
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