NFL Insider Provides Intriguing Update On Chiefs’ Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has gotten himself into some hot water this offseason.

In late March, Rice was involved in a six-car accident while driving a Lamborghini. He was reportedly driving 119 mph in the lead up to the crash, and he left the scene. There were some minor injuries, but fortunately, no one was severely hurt.

Rice is facing eight charges in the case and could end up spending a considerable amount of time in prison, even though noted defense attorney Drew Davenport does not think Rice will end up behind bars at all (Davenport is not representing Rice).

Of course, NFL fans are curious about what the outlook will be like for Rice in 2024. Will he be suspended for a few games? Will he play at all?

Ian Rapoport of NFL media provided a rather intriguing update about the situation this week, saying that there is actually a chance that Rice faces no punishment from the league—yet.

“As you guys laid out, the offense without Rashee Rice there, what we don’t know is whether or not he’ll be eligible to start the season with the Kansas City Chiefs,” Rapoport said, via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports. “And really this depends on how quickly the legal process plays out. … If his case wraps up, then there is potential the NFL could issue its discipline and he would likely be suspended. If the case is still ongoing, as we’ve seen with several others, then likely he’d be eligible to play this season. Discipline would be handled the following season. So the timing is really an issue, not whether or not he’ll actually be suspended.”

So, essentially, Rice will almost certainly be facing discipline from the NFL at some point. It’s just a matter of when, and the idea of Rice actually playing out 2024 without a suspension seems wild.

But, the league understandably has to allow the case to process, so it makes sense that Roger Goodell would want to pause on handing down any sort of punishment until the legal system does its job.

Rice, who played his collegiate football at Southern Methodist, was selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The 24-year-old enjoy an impressive rookie campaign, hauling in 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. He then logged 26 catches for 262 yards and a score in the playoffs as Kansas City won its second straight Super Bowl.

We’ll see how things shape up for Rashee Rice in the coming months.