On Tuesday, GH published an update in the civil case regarding Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice. Rece faces multiple civil lawsuits and criminal charges in relation to a high-speed crash that occurred on March, 30, 2024.
There was a delay in the civil case, as Rice’s attorney, Royce West, was granted a legislative continuance so he could perform his duties as a Texas state senator until the legislative session ended on June 2. Per state law, the civil case was forbidden from being continued until at least 30 days after the end of the session.
Rashee Rice’s new civil trial date is set for January 20, 2026
Per Dallas County Court Records, one of the civil suits is “set for Jury trial on the trial docket” for January 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. EST. The new date is a few days before the AFC Championship Game is set to be played on Jan. 25.
If the Chiefs make it to the AFC championship, there is a possibility Rice’s representation could try to file for a continuance, further pushing the civil trial to a later date.
The delays are continuing to mount for Rice, and a looming suspension could come at a suboptimal time for the third-year wide receiver, if it comes at all.
In June, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio provided an update on where Rice stands with the league regarding his potential suspension. The league is waiting for the criminal case to end before giving its judgment.
In 2024, the goal was for Rice to serve any suspension in 2025 before all of the delays began.
“At the outset of the 2024 season, the plan was for Rice to get through the 2024 season, resolve the criminal case and take his NFL punishment in the offseason, serve any suspension to start 2025, and move on with his career,” Florio wrote. “Possibly after doing enough in 2024 to merit a significant contract following the 2025 season, which will be his third in the league.”
The Kansas City Chiefs have much to consider here
So far, the authorities have been mum on Rice’s criminal case. It appears that the civil case will proceed before the criminal trial. If that’s the case, based on the updated civil case trial update, Rice appears to be in the clear for playing the entirety of the 2025 season.
The potential suspension might be coming in 2026, or, depending on how many continuances are okayed in the civil court, in 2027. Remember, the league has its own procedures (including a hearing) under the Personal Conduct Policy to be followed before handing out any punishment.
Rice is on a rookie contract that will expire after the 2026 season. So Rice could be facing a suspension in a contract year, or the season after he signs an extension, which could factor into the terms of the deal.
