Rashee Rice Suspended Six Games for Personal Conduct Violation

The NFL has suspended Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice for six games without pay to begin the 2025 season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, the league announced Wednesday.

The Crash and Legal Fallout

Rice, 25, had been facing discipline for his involvement in a March 2024 hit-and-run crash in Dallas, where he was driving a Lamborghini Urus at 119 mph before causing a multi-car accident. Two people were hospitalized, and two others treated for minor injuries. Rice and four passengers fled the scene without checking on the victims.

In July, Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges — collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years’ probation, with deferred adjudication, meaning the case could be dismissed if he successfully completes probation. He also agreed to pay more than $115,000 in medical expenses for the victims.

From Possible Double-Digit Ban to Six Games

The league initially considered a double-digit suspension that could have sidelined Rice for at least half the season, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. His representatives, along with the NFL Players Association, pushed for a reduced penalty, arguing that there was no precedent for a ban of that length. Ultimately, Rice and the NFLPA reached a settlement with the league, ending months of uncertainty.

The suspension voids a disciplinary hearing that had been scheduled for Sept. 30 in New York before former federal Judge Sue L. Robinson. Rice will not appeal the ruling and will be eligible to return in Week 7 when the Chiefs face the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 19.

Key Games Rice Will Miss

Rice’s suspension will keep him sidelined for several marquee matchups, starting with the season opener in Brazil against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 5. He will also miss a Super Bowl LVIII rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 14, a primetime road game against the New York Giants on Sept. 21, and a showdown with Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 28. The ban also includes a Monday night contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 6 and a Sunday night game against the Detroit Lions on Oct. 12.

Rice’s On-Field Trajectory

A second-round pick in 2023, Rice broke out as a rookie by recording 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns, helping Kansas City win the Super Bowl LVIII title. His sophomore season ended abruptly in Week 4 after he tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, finishing the year with 24 catches for 288 yards and two scores.

The Chiefs carried eight receivers on their initial 53-man roster, including Rice, rookie speedster Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, preparing themselves for his absence and ensuring Patrick Mahomes still has multiple weapons at his disposal.

Rice: “A Lot of Sleepless Nights”

Last month, Rice issued a statement through his attorney expressing remorse:

“I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages my actions caused. Moving forward, I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted becomes whole.”

Looking Ahead

With the suspension finalized, Rice will serve his punishment and rejoin the Chiefs in mid-October. In the meantime, Kansas City’s deep receiving corps will shoulder the load as the team begins its defense of the Super Bowl crown.