ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — With the Kansas City Chiefs previous the halfway level of coaching camp, receiver Rashee Rice mentioned he hasn’t been instructed by the NFL if he’ll be suspended sooner or later throughout the 2025 season.
“Actually, it is nonetheless within the works,” Rice mentioned after Saturday’s apply. “My authorized staff is dealing with that. All I can do is deal with what I can management proper now, and that is me doing what I do finest proper right here on the sector.”
If Rice is suspended by the league quickly, it will likely be for violating the league’s private conduct coverage, the punishment after he and one other dashing driver induced a chain-reaction crash that left a number of folks injured on a Dallas freeway final 12 months. Final month, Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 5 years’ probation for his function in a multicar crash.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy acknowledged final month that “now we have been intently monitoring all developments within the matter which stays underneath assessment.”
In line with a launch from the Dallas County District Legal professional’s workplace, Rice pleaded responsible in district court docket to 2 third-degree felony prices — collision involving critical bodily harm and racing on a freeway inflicting bodily harm. Rice acquired deferred adjudication. The case can be dismissed if he completes the probation.
“I realized simply how worthwhile any alternative and second is,” Rice mentioned. “This proper right here, us having the ability to be on the sector and be coached by Coach (Andy) Reid and have such an important quarterback (Patrick Mahomes), is actually a present, a blessing.
“I’ve fully modified. Actually, you must study from issues like that. I’ve taken benefit of having the ability to study from one thing like that.”
Rice has been a full participant in every of the Chiefs’ practices at Missouri Western State College after tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his proper knee throughout Week 4 final season.
When the NFL finishes its expedited disciplinary course of, Rice might obtain a multigame suspension, one which he must serve instantly. If such happens, Rice vowed to remain in form throughout his time away from his teammates.
“That is my job, and that is what I like to do,” he mentioned. “Even after I’m not capable of be on the market with my staff, I am nonetheless going to be working as laborious as I can so I may be again on the market with them as quickly as potential.”