Rashee Rice, a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, is slated to participate fully in the team’s training camp, even after being handed down a recent jail sentence.
Andy Reid, the Chiefs’ coach, announced on Sunday, the day before players are due to report, that Rice will be a complete participant in the camp. Reid’s declaration happened three days after Rice was given a 30-day jail sentence and a five-year probationary period for his involvement in a multi-vehicle collision in Dallas, Texas, during 2024.
“We are planning to proceed as if everything is normal with him,” Reid stated, as reported by the Associated Press. “He will be involved in every repetition as he typically would. We always implement rotation at that position. Depending on the developments related to his future, any player who needs to take the field will be ready and knowledgeable about their responsibilities and well-prepared to perform them.”
Could Rashee Rice face a suspension? Analyzing the potential games the Chiefs WR might miss due to his hit-and-run sentencing
Shanna McCarriston
Rice, who is 25 years old, was handed his sentence on Friday as part of a plea agreement related to an incident where he and another driver who was speeding caused a collision involving numerous vehicles, leading to injuries for several individuals on a Dallas highway. According to the prosecution, Rice was traveling at a speed of 119 mph when the accident occurred and subsequently left the scene on foot. Rice entered a guilty plea for two third-degree felony charges related to the collision, specifically involving serious bodily injury and engaging in racing on a highway that resulted in bodily harm.
There remains ongoing discussion regarding the potential effects of Rice’s sentencing on his NFL career. It is anticipated that the league will issue a suspension, but Reid mentioned he has no current details regarding Rice’s status for the approaching season. Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesman, stated last week that the league is “carefully observing all facets of the matter, which is still being reviewed.”
According to the Associated Press, Rice will have some “adaptability” concerning when he will complete his 30-day sentence.
Rice is about to begin his third season in the NFL. During the prior year, he successfully caught 24 passes, accumulating 288 yards and scoring two touchdowns over the initial three games before experiencing a season-ending knee injury during Week 4. Without Rice, the Chiefs managed to progress to the Super Bowl but ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Upon his return, Rice is anticipated to play a significant part in the offensive plans of Kansas City. When questioned about the knee injury, Reid commented last month that Rice is expected to be “completely ready” as training camp gets underway.
