Despite off-field issues, Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice participated in the team's offseason program. Rice faces charges of aggravated assault and is under investigation for an alleged assault in a Dallas nightclub.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons following an impressive rookie season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite legal troubles, Rice has participated in the Chiefs' offseason program.
Rice surrendered himself to authorities on charges of aggravated assault after he and another driver allegedly caused a large car crash on a Dallas highway in April. Police say Rice was driving a Lamborghini that reached a speed of 119 mph, while his former SMU teammate, Theodore Knox, was driving a Corvette at similar high speeds. They lost control of their vehicles and crashed into four other vehicles, injuring four people.
While dealing with the car crash charges, Rice was also suspected of assault in a downtown Dallas nightclub, according to the Dallas Morning News. However, police did not name Rice as a suspect in its report of the incident.
Due to these off-field issues, Rice is expected to face discipline from the NFL. He is subject to the league's personal conduct policy and could face a possible suspension at the start of the season.
Rice emerged as Patrick Mahomes' top wide receiver during his rookie campaign, finishing with 938 yards and seven touchdowns on 79 catches. He solidified himself as a top pass-catching option for the Chiefs, who quickly bolstered the surrounding group this offseason.
Hollywood Brown was added via free agency, and the Chiefs spent their first-round pick on Texas speedster Xavier Worthy, who broke the NFL 40-yard dash record.
Rice's role in the offense is one that head coach Andy Reid clearly liked last season, but it's unknown how many games he will be available for in 2024.
Meanwhile, Rice is working with his team to stay up to speed. The Chiefs are holding OTAs on May 20-22, May 28-30, and June 4-7, with mandatory minicamp on June 11-13.
The Chiefs are counting on Rice to be a key contributor, but his legal troubles could sideline him for part of the season. The team will continue to monitor the situation and make a decision on any potential discipline once the investigation is complete.
