Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation on Thursday for his involvement in a multi-car accident last year.
The Dallas County District Attorney’s office stated that Rice admitted guilt in district court to two third-degree felony charges: causing serious bodily injury in a collision and racing on a highway that resulted in injury.
A judge from the Dallas district court decided that Rice can serve his jail time at any point during his five-year probation period. Sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Rice received deferred adjudication, meaning the case will be dropped if he successfully completes his probation.
Before reaching his plea agreement, Rice also paid more than $115,000 to cover the medical expenses of the victims from the crash that occurred in March 2024, according to the district attorney’s office.
The NFL can speed up its disciplinary actions regarding Rice, who is expected to face a suspension lasting several games during the 2025 season.
“We have been closely following all updates on this issue, which is still being reviewed,” said Brian McCarthy, the NFL’s vice president of communications, in a statement to Schefter.
On Thursday, the Chiefs informed The Associated Press that they had no comments to share.
In a statement released by his lawyer on Thursday, Rice expressed that he is “deeply sorry for the harm caused to individuals and property.”
“Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas,” Rice mentioned in his statement. “I’ve spent many sleepless nights reflecting on the damage my actions caused. I will keep doing everything I can to ensure that everyone affected will be compensated. I encourage everyone to follow speed limits and drive safely and wisely.
“Finally, I want to express my sincere apologies for the harm done to innocent drivers and their families.”
According to police reports, Rice was driving at 119 mph in a Lamborghini SUV just before the crash in Dallas on May 30, 2024.
Dallas district attorney John Creuzot stated that Rice was “lucky to have walked away unharmed” and expressed his hope that Rice “seizes this chance to grow up and sets a positive example.”
Creuzot added, “When someone like Mr. Rice, who has a public platform, drives so carelessly, they need to recognize the risks they pose to others and take responsibility.”
He emphasized, “A vehicle in the wrong hands can be just as dangerous as any weapon. We are very fortunate that no one lost their life that day, and Mr. Rice is lucky to be safe. We hope he uses this moment to mature and lead by example in the future. I wish him all the best in making safer choices.”
Rice, 25, suffered a torn right ACL during Week 4 of last season and missed the rest of the Chiefs’ AFC championship run. The Chiefs anticipate that the 2023 second-round draft pick will be healthy when training camp starts next week.
Rice hails from the Dallas area. He played for SMU in Dallas and grew up in North Richland Hills, a suburb of Fort Worth. He was the second-leading receiver on Kansas City’s Super Bowl-winning team in 2023 and has caught nine touchdown passes in 20 career games.
