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NFL Makes Final Decision on Chiefs WR Rashee Rice

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 1, 2025 5:16 PM ET

Rashee Rice helped the Kansas City Chiefs secure their fifth win of the 2025 NFL season in Week 8, taking down Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders 28-7. Rice, in his second game after serving a six-game suspension, continued to shine with Patrick Mahomes, recording a team-high nine catches for 93 yards and a touchdown, his third of the season.

With 12:29 remaining in the fourth quarter and the game all but secured for the Chiefs, Mahomes hit Rice for a 25-yard gain and a first down. After the play, Rice appeared to toss the ball back to an official, but it accidentally bounced off Commanders safety Quan Martin’s helmet. Officials still threw a flag for taunting, backing Kansas City up 15 yards.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Normally in the NFL, players are fined up to $11,593 for a first taunting violation, with the amount increasing to $17,389 for a second offense in the same season. However, the league appeared to view Rice’s incident with Martin as accidental and chose not to fine the former SMU Mustangs wide receiver.

While no tautning fines were handed out for Week 8, two Commanders players were charged with violations against the Chiefs. Martin was fined $11,572 for a hit on a defenseless player, while linebacker Frankie Luvu was penalized $46,372 for a hip-drop tackle.

Rashee Rice flagged for taunting for throwing the ball at Martins head pic.twitter.com/ONbh3hkk99
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 28, 2025

Similarly, in Week 7 shutout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, fellow Chiefs wide receiver was fined $11,593 for taunting, staring down a defender after picking up a 12-yard catch.

Up next for Rice and the Bills, a Week 9 matchup with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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