NFL clears Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice following abuse investigation
The NFL has announced it will not discipline Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice after concluding an investigation into allegations of abuse made by his former girlfriend.
League officials determined there was insufficient evidence to conclude the 25-year-old violated its personal conduct policy.
The investigation was launched following accusations made by Dacoda Jones, who shares two children with the receiver.
Lawsuit and allegations
In early January, Jones posted photographs on social media displaying bruises and wounds, alleging she had endured abuse over numerous years.
Although the wideout was not explicitly named in the initial post, Jones subsequently filed a lawsuit in Texas seeking more than $1m in damages.
The legal filing alleges she was repeatedly assaulted over an 18-month span between 2023 and 2025, including times when she was pregnant.
“Rice has grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted Ms. Jones, as well as hit her with inanimate objects,” the lawsuit says.
Legal response and previous incidents
Sean Lindsey, the legal representative for the player, released a statement contesting the claims while welcoming the league’s decision.
“Mr. Rice wants to thank the NFL for their thorough investigation, and looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season,” Lindsey said.
The Kansas City Chiefs declined to comment on the announcement on Friday.
This latest inquiry follows a separate legal issue for the American, who was involved in a high-speed, multi-vehicle crash in Dallas in March 2024.
He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation in July after fleeing the scene of the collision, which occurred while he was driving a vehicle at 119mph.
