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.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed defensive end Travon Walker to a four-year contract extension worth $110m, keeping the former number one overall pick in Florida long-term.
The lucrative deal includes $77m in guaranteed money, with an initial $50m fully guaranteed at the time of signing.
Elite Loyalty Sports, the agency representing the defensive anchor, confirmed the blockbuster agreement on Friday.
Earning an average of $27.5m annually, the 24-year-old now becomes the 12th highest-paid edge rusher in professional football.
Joining the elite earners
His new salary places him marginally behind Baltimore Ravens standout Trey Hendrickson and New York Giants pass rusher Brian Burns.
It also positions him just underneath his own teammate, Josh Hines-Allen, who currently commands $28.25m per season.
Prior to this commitment, the imposing lineman was scheduled to play on a fifth-year option in 2026 that would have paid him a fully guaranteed $15.19m.
Overcoming recent injury setbacks
Across 60 career appearances, the durable defender has registered 27.5 sacks, 200 tackles, and 57 quarterback hits.
He enjoyed double-digit sack campaigns in both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating his elite disruptive capabilities in the trenches.
However, his production dipped to just 3.5 sacks during the recent 2025 season as he battled persistent wrist and knee injuries.
Despite those physical challenges, the Georgia native has only missed five fixtures throughout his four professional campaigns.
Front office vision
The groundwork for this significant investment was publicly acknowledged by the franchise hierarchy earlier in the week.
General manager James Gladstone revealed on Monday that negotiations were progressing well with several key components of the roster.
“We are probably within striking distance to see things come to light.”
Gladstone was also referencing ongoing extension discussions with tight end Brenton Strange and receiver Parker Washington.
Former New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 35 after a decorated 13-year career.
The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year confirmed his decision to step away from the sport via a Thursday statement on social media.
“I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds,” wrote Gilmore in a post to Instagram.
The South Carolina collegiate product departs having firmly established himself as one of the elite defensive backs of his generation.
Reaching the pinnacle in Foxborough
Selected in the first round of the 2012 draft by the Buffalo Bills, the athletic defender spent five productive seasons in upstate New York.
However, he truly secured his lasting legacy after making a high-profile move to the division-rival Patriots ahead of the 2017 campaign.
During a dominant four-season spell with the franchise, the shutdown corner earned first-team All-Pro honours in consecutive years.
He was heavily instrumental in securing a Super Bowl championship for the team following the 2018 regular season.
The veteran defensive star recorded two crucial interceptions and five passes defended throughout that memorable three-game postseason run.
A journeyman finish to an outstanding tenure
Following his eventual departure from New England, the five-time Pro Bowler embarked on several short-term stints across the league.
He featured for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Dallas Cowboys before a final campaign with the Minnesota Vikings.
The acclaimed defensive back leaves the gridiron having amassed 32 career interceptions across 180 professional appearances.
Furthermore, he compiled 149 passes defended and 617 total tackles while building a reputation as a nightmare matchup for premier wide receivers.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has agreed a contract to join the Las Vegas Raiders following his recent release from the Atlanta Falcons.
Terms of the agreement for the 37-year-old have not yet been disclosed by the Nevada-based franchise.
The four-time Pro Bowler will reunite with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, having previously collaborated during a three-year stint at the Minnesota Vikings.
His arrival comes as the organisation prepares for the NFL Draft later this month, where they are widely expected to select highly-rated prospect Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall pick.
A turbulent tenure in Atlanta
The move occurs less than a month after the American was cut by the Falcons, concluding a brief and complicated two-year relationship.
He initially joined Atlanta on a lucrative four-year deal worth $180m (£143m), but was caught completely off guard when the team drafted Michael Penix Jr just six weeks later.
Despite recovering from a torn Achilles to guide the team to a 6-3 start in 2024, a subsequent arm injury significantly hindered his on-field performances.
A dismal run of nine interceptions over five games ultimately led to his benching in Week 16, as the franchise committed their immediate future to Penix.
Returning to form and future prospects
Although the veteran returned to full fitness for the 2025 campaign, he remained the backup until Penix suffered a torn left ACL in Week 11.
Stepping back into the starting role, the former Washington draft pick steered the Falcons to a crucial four-game winning streak to conclude the regular season.
He finished the campaign completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Across a distinguished 14-year career in the NFL, the seasoned signal-caller has amassed 44,700 passing yards and 298 touchdowns.
The Baltimore Ravens have signed star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in a dramatic free agency twist, while the Kansas City Chiefs acquired Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to bolster their struggling offense.
NFL franchises have already committed more than $4.5bn (£2.8bn) during a frantic opening to the 2026 transaction period.
Baltimore initially appeared set to acquire Las Vegas Raiders standout Maxx Crosby before abandoning the blockbuster trade at the eleventh hour.
Concerns over the defensive end’s recent knee surgery and the steep asking price of two first-round draft picks reportedly triggered the sudden collapse.
Ravens pivot to Hendrickson
Following the Crosby collapse, the Maryland-based franchise swiftly secured Cincinnati’s primary edge rusher on a four-year contract worth $112m (£84m).
New head coach Jesse Minter faces immediate pressure to deliver a championship while two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson remains at the peak of his powers.
Acquiring such a disruptive defensive force fills a major roster void and directly weakens an AFC North divisional rival.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow now faces the daunting prospect of lining up against his former teammate twice a season.
Chiefs seek redemption with Walker
Meanwhile, Kansas City are desperately attempting to rebuild following a disastrous campaign marred by Patrick Mahomes suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The fallen dynasty secured a major offensive upgrade by prying former Seattle Seahawks running back Walker away on a three-year, $45m (£34m) agreement.
The dynamic playmaker recently became the first player at his position to win Super Bowl MVP honours since 1998.
His arrival provides offensive mastermind Andy Reid with a potent dual-threat weapon to revitalise a unit that has surprisingly failed to rank above 15th in scoring over the past three seasons.
Kelce commits to Kansas City
Walker will be joined at Arrowhead Stadium by veteran tight end Travis Kelce.
The legendary pass-catcher has agreed to terms on a restructured contract to return for a 14th professional campaign.
While technically a three-year extension, the $12m (£9m) pact is functionally a one-year commitment designed to provide the Chiefs with crucial salary cap relief.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into a rehabilitation facility amid an ongoing civil lawsuit alleging assault and an unprovoked antisemitic statement.
The 2023 fifth-round draft pick entered the programme before the allegations became public, according to his attorney Levi McCathern.
McCathern told The California Post that his client is seeking treatment to improve his overall behaviour in every aspect of his life.
A woman in Los Angeles filed a civil lawsuit last month accusing the 23-year-old of making an antisemitic remark and biting her on the shoulder on New Year’s Eve.
Lawsuit allegations strongly denied
The legal action cites gender violence, assault, battery, and negligence.
Nacua strongly denies the claims, with his legal team stating they possess video evidence that definitively contradicts the accuser’s version of events.
Despite the ongoing legal process, McCathern expects the prolific pass-catcher to complete his treatment in time for the franchise’s organised team activities.
Rams pledge support for star player
Speaking at the NFL’s annual meetings, head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team has been aware of the New Year’s Eve incident since it occurred.
“I trust this kid’s heart. Love him, put your arm around him, want to continue to help him grow and really get all the appropriate facts before I kind of rush to judgment on that particular situation.”
The controversy follows a separate incident in December where the player issued a public apology for performing a gesture on an internet livestream that perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.
Contract talks paused to focus on well-being
The offensive standout recently became eligible to sign a lucrative contract extension following two highly productive seasons in the league.
McVay emphasised that expectations for the player extend far beyond his on-field production, adding that he must understand his wider responsibility in representing the organisation.
When questioned about the potential for a new deal, general manager Les Snead stated the team’s current priority is focused entirely on the individual’s personal development.
“Right now, we’re just focused on the human being and then we’ll get to that step. We’ll let him continue becoming.”
Expected number one overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza has showcased his passing abilities to scouts from all 32 NFL teams during a highly anticipated pro day at Indiana University on Wednesday.
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback delivered an impressive workout inside the John Mellencamp Pavilion following his decision to skip athletic testing at the combine.
More than 100 media members watched as the 22-year-old threw approximately 56 passes during a comprehensive and heavily scrutinised throwing script.
With head coach Curt Cignetti watching closely, his primary goal was to elevate the draft stock of his collegiate team-mates by running routes timed for the professional level.
Las Vegas looming as likely destination
The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the first overall pick and are heavily favoured to select the Boston-born signal-caller.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, alongside majority owner Mark Davis, previously scouted the quarterback during January’s national championship victory in Miami.
While not completely flawless during Wednesday’s session, the former Florida prep star demonstrated exceptional arm talent with short, intermediate, and deep throws.
He officially weighed in at 236 pounds, marking a significant 11-pound increase from his listed collegiate playing weight.
This physical development proves he possesses the necessary durability to withstand the elite professional pass rushers he will face at the next level.
“I feel like it went great. I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we’re going to be running in the NFL.”
A historic collegiate campaign
The former Cal graduate arrives at the professional ranks following a statistically magnificent final college season.
He completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, registering 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions last year.
His leadership guided the Hoosiers through a formidable gauntlet of traditional powerhouses, defeating Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, and Miami in succession.
Those statement victories secured Indiana’s first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and delivered the university’s maiden national football championship.
“I’m putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season.”
The highly-touted prospect acknowledged that he remains a work in progress as he finalises his transition to the professional game.
Former Wisconsin tight end Jack Pugh, who stepped away from college football three years ago to prioritise his mental health, has died at the age of 24.
The university confirmed the passing of the Columbus native in a statement released on Tuesday night.
Officials did not disclose a cause of death for the former athlete.
Mental health struggles
Pugh announced his medical retirement from the sport ahead of the 2023 season.
In a heartfelt social media post at the time, the academic All-Big Ten honouree cited prolonged depression and substance abuse as key factors in his decision.
My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up.
The former collegiate star added that stepping away allowed him to finally find happiness and rebuild his personal life.
‘A positive light’
The talented pass-catcher redshirted during his freshman year in 2021 before making a single appearance the following season.
Despite his early departure from the gridiron, he remained dedicated to his studies and successfully earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025.
Wisconsin Athletics paid tribute to his character and lasting impact on the team environment.
Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program.
A university spokesperson added that he cared deeply about people and was widely loved by both his teammates and the coaching staff.