Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was sentenced this week to five years’ probation and 30 days in jail for his role in a multi-car crash in Dallas in 2024 that caused injuries.
With the legal ramifications out of the way, the Chiefs’ top pass-catcher is now subject to discipline from the National Football League.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote that his guess is Rashee Rice will receive an eight-game suspension for the 2025 NFL season, as a compromise between the two sides instead of a 10-game ban.
- Rashee Rice stats (ESPN): 24 receptions, 288 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns in four games
Rice avoided a suspension last season because the NFL wanted the legal process to play out. Now that the case is resolved, with Rice allowed to serve 30 days in jail at any time over the next five years, he can be disciplined for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.
As Florio wrote, the timeline and length of a suspension could be heavily influenced by Rice’s willingness to cooperate with the league and accept responsibility for his actions. Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker accepted a league suspension (first 10 weeks of the season) for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, which potentially allowed him to avoid a lengthier ban.
- Rashee Rice contract (Spotrac): $1.771 million cap hit (2025), $2.066 million cap hit (2026)
While Florio noted that the league could theoretically push for a season-long suspension, a 10-game ban is considered more likely. If Rice is willing to work with the league instead of appealing any suspension, the multi-game ban could be reduced.
There is no timeline yet for when the NFL will suspend Rice, but a ruling could come before September if the league wants the matter resolved before the regular season. Barring an appeal, Rice would likely serve any suspension in 2025.