The alleged victim in an assault case against Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has signed an affidavit of non-prosecution, leading to the dismissal of charges. Rice had been accused of punching the photographer in March at a nightclub in Dallas.
The alleged victim of an assault at the hands of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has signed an affidavit of non-prosecution, leading to the dismissal of charges in the case.
Dallas police confirmed to FOX4 Kansas City on Tuesday that the photographer involved in the incident had signed the affidavit, ending the investigation. Rice was accused of punching the photographer in the face at a Dallas nightclub earlier this month.
The incident came to light when the photographer filed a police report alleging that Rice punched him after asking him to look at Instagram messages on his phone. Rice had reportedly sent the photographer an Instagram message asking him to return to a club after he had left, under the impression that he wanted to hire him for photography services.
Rice is already facing scrutiny from law enforcement after surrendering to authorities last month for his role in a car crash that involved multiple vehicles. He was later released on bond but faces multiple serious charges in that case.
According to police, Rice was driving a Lamborghini that reached a top speed of 119 miles per hour, while SMU football player Theodore Knox was driving a Corvette on North Central Expressway in Dallas on March 30. Both drivers were speeding and lost control of their vehicles at some point, crashing into four other vehicles and leaving four people injured.
Lawsuits have been filed against both Rice and Knox, with the plaintiffs alleging various injuries, including brain trauma, facial lacerations requiring stitches, and internal bleeding.
The NFL could impose further punishment on Rice once the legal process is complete. A potential suspension could leave the Chiefs shorthanded at the wide receiver position, but they could turn to rookie Xavier Worthy in Rice's absence. Kansas City drafted Worthy in the first round of last month's draft, shortly after he set an NFL Scouting Combine record for the 40-yard dash.
Rice finished his rookie season with 938 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The dismissal of the assault charges is a positive development for the Chiefs and Rice, as it removes a significant distraction from the team's preparations for the upcoming season.
