The Kansas City Chiefs will enter 2024 with the deepest set of wide receivers in the Patrick Mahomes era. Included in that mix will be Rashee Rice, who will not face a league suspension this coming season.
When the Kansas City Chiefs signed JuJu Smith-Schuster this week, most fans felt he was Rashee Rice’s replacement. Logically, it made sense. After his off-the-field incident in April, it was only a matter of time before he could serve a suspension this season. Perhaps some felt that time was now.
However, JuJu was added for depth, and with news on his Texas case today, Rice will wear a Chiefs uniform all season for Kansas City.
On Wednesday, a Texas Judge set June 2025 as the time to hear Rashee Rice’s case. That means the NFL will likely hold off on any potential discipline against Rice until the Judge has ruled.
Rice, to his credit, took full responsibility for his actions. Since that mistake, he’s focused on football, family, and his teammates. Initially, the incident brought speculation that the team might cut Rice, but those rumors were more wishful thinking by those who must face Rice and the Chiefs this season.
The NFL indicated they are aware of the proceedings and made it clear they will only do something once they have all the facts and a conclusion in the courts. The criminal case is not the only legal issue Rice is dealing with after this high-speed car crash.
The injured parties have retained legal counsel and demand a high sum for pain and suffering. No date has been set for that case, but it won’t affect Rice’s status with the NFL or his eligibility.
There has been much speculation about the games Rice would miss once the NFL rules on his case, likely next summer. Since no domestic issue was attached to the charges, we suspect his suspension will be four games or less.
Either way, Rice must learn from his mistakes and avoid other off-the-field incidents to ensure he plays the entire season for the Chiefs.
