Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was reportedly sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years probation for his role in a multi-car crash in 2024.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday that a Dallas County judge sentenced Rice to that jail time, which he can serve during his five years of probation. Schefter also noted, “Now that the judge has ruled, the NFL can expedite its disciplinary process and Rice is likely to receive a multi-game suspension.”
Schefter provided further details and reported that the case will be dismissed if he completes his probation since he received deferred adjudication. The expectation is also that he will serve any suspension he receives during the 2025 NFL campaign.
The NFL did not suspend Rice last season with the legal situation still pending. However, a knee injury limited him to only four games.
Tracy DeLatte and Shaun Rabb of Fox 4 Dallas Fort Worth reported Rice was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to felony racing on the highway and felony accident causing serious bodily injury. They also noted restitution was made in advance to the victims, and the plea deal “resolves the six other cases related to the crash.”
As DeLatte and Rabb noted, the crash happened on March 30, 2024, when, according to an arrest warrant affidavit, Rice was driving 119 mph in a Lamborghini and Theodore Knox was driving 116 mph in a Corvette. Police said they fled the scene after crashing.
In April 2024, Rice posted a message on social media that said he met with investigators.
“I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities,” he wrote. “I sincerely apologize to everyone impacted in Saturday’s accident.”
DeLatte and Rabb reported that Rice is not in custody as of Thursday. Attorney Royce West said he will set a date to turn himself in after he finishes making arrangements.
Kansas City selected the SMU product in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft, and he wasted little time establishing himself as a key part of the offense with 79 catches for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. The Chiefs won the Super Bowl during his rookie season.
He was largely unable to build on that production in his second season because of his knee injury and is now facing a suspension in his third season.
