The NFL is speaking out on allegations against Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice, acknowledging the incident and saying it remains under investigation.
Rice, who was suspended for six games during the 2025 season after pleading guilty to a series of charges related to a road race crash, was accused by a former girlfriend of domestic abuse on Wednesday. The team released a statement that it was investigating the allegations, and the league has now joined in issuing a statement about Rice.
NFL Reviewing Allegations Against Rashee Rice
In a statement from spokesman Brian McCarthy, the NFL acknowledged the allegations against Rice and said they were being investigated for potential punishment.
“We have been in contact with the club about the matter which will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy,” the NFL said in its statement, via reporter Pete Sweeney in a post on X.
The NFL’s personal conduct policy gives it wide latitude to issue punishment to players, even when the allegations do not result in criminal charges. When Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller was accused of domestic abuse in 2023 — an incident that ultimately did not lead to criminal proceedings — the league announced a four-game suspension during the following year.
The team also issued a statement late on Wednesday, hours after the allegations first surfaced on social media. The Chiefs said little, only saying they were aware of the allegations but making no mention of either an investigation or support of Rice.
“The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League,” the team’s statement read, via reporter Sam McDowell in a post on X. “We have no further comment at this time.”
The team showed support for Rice during his 2025 suspension, with several players including tight end Travis Kelce wearing shirts that read “Free 4,” referring to Rice’s jersey number.
Rashee Rice Accused of Abuse in Instagram Post
The allegations came from Dacoda Jones, the mother of Rice’s two children, in a post on Instagram. Her post included several graphic images of bruises and scratches on her face and body.
Though Jones did not specifically name Rice, it made references to abuse from a former partner while she was pregnant.
“I’m so tired of keeping quiet I’m so tired of protecting his image. I’ve been through enough in the span of 8 years and I’ve had ENOUGH! I’ve dealt with abuse for years, me and this man decided to break up a couple months ago and it’s been nothing but hell,” Jones wrote.
Rice had already pleaded guilty to two felony charges related to a highway crash in 2024. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail with five years of deferred probation and more than $115,000 in restitution for victims.
It’s not clear what actions the Chiefs might take, but losing Rice would be a significant blow to an offense already facing some big departures. Kelce has reached the end of his contract and is contemplating retirement, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes is rehabbing a torn ACL and LCL and could potentially miss the start of the 2026 season.
