Rashee Rice, wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, is currently under investigation by the Dallas Police Department for allegedly punching a photographer inside a Dallas nightclub. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning at Lit Kitchen and Lounge in downtown Dallas. The police have interviewed witnesses and arrived at the nightclub in response to a “major disturbance call.” The victim, a 29-year-old man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and transported himself to a local hospital. As of now, no charges have been filed, and no arrests have been made.
The victim reported that he was at the nightclub for an after-hours party when Rice approached him, seemingly interested in hiring him as a photographer for the event. After leaving the nightclub, the victim received an Instagram message from Rice, asking him to return. When the victim found Rice at the nightclub again, Rice allegedly punched him on the left side of his face while he was looking at Instagram messages on Rice’s smartphone. The victim suffered minor swelling in his left jaw.
This investigation comes after multiple teams removed Rice from their draft boards due to concerns about his character. One alleged incident involved multiple bullets being fired into a car belonging to former SMU basketball player Kendric Davis during a home game. Two teams concluded that Rice believed Davis was involved with his girlfriend, although the incident was never reported to SMU authorities. Three teams removed Rice from their draft boards due to character concerns, while another team downgraded his value compared to other receiver prospects.
Despite these concerns, the Chiefs selected Rice in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, trading with the Detroit Lions to acquire him. The Chiefs were aware of the alleged incident involving Rice during his time at SMU. However, they still chose to draft him.
In late March, Rice was involved in a multi-vehicle crash in northeast Dallas. He was driving a Lamborghini SUV that caused a chain-reaction collision involving four other vehicles. Rice and Theodore Knox, a cornerback at SMU, fled the scene. Rice is now facing charges of aggravated assault, collision involving serious bodily injury, and collision involving injury.
Even if Rice is not convicted or reaches a plea deal, he is likely to face a suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The league has broad disciplinary power through the collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association. The policy states that players and employees are held to a higher standard and must conduct themselves responsibly, promoting the values of the NFL and acting lawfully. Rice’s incidents fall under the category of conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person.
Rice and Knox are also being sued for $1 million by two crash victims who suffered severe injuries. The victims include Irina Gromova and Edvard Petrovskiy, who sustained brain trauma, lacerations requiring stitches, contusions, disfigurement, internal bleeding, and other injuries.
Despite these legal issues, Rice has returned to work with the Chiefs for their voluntary offseason program. He participated in meetings via video conference led by coaches. Chiefs club owner Clark Hunt expressed disappointment in the situation but stated that they would evaluate it as they move forward. Rice had an impressive rookie season, emerging as the Chiefs’ top receiver with 79 receptions and 938 yards in 16 regular-season games. He also contributed 262 yards and 26 receptions in four playoff games, helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl.
In conclusion, Rashee Rice’s alleged involvement in a nightclub altercation and his connection to a multi-vehicle crash have raised concerns about his character. Despite being taken off draft boards by multiple teams, the Chiefs still chose to select him. Rice’s future in the NFL remains uncertain as he faces potential legal consequences and a likely suspension from the league.