Kansas City Chiefs star Rashee Rice sentenced to 30 days in jail

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice received a sentence of 30 days in jail and five years' probation on Thursday for his involvement in a multi-car crash that occurred in March 2024.

According to a release from the Dallas County District Attorney's office, Rice pleaded guilty in district court to two third-degree felony charges: "collision involving serious bodily injury" and "racing on a highway causing bodily injury." A Dallas district court judge ruled that Rice has the flexibility to serve his jail time at any point during the five-year probationary period. Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Rice received deferred adjudication, meaning the case will be dismissed if he successfully completes his probation.

Prior to his plea agreement, Rice had already paid more than $115,000 in restitution to the victims of the March 2024 crash to cover their medical expenses, as confirmed by the district attorney's office.

NFL disciplinary action expected

With the legal proceedings reaching a resolution, the NFL is now able to expedite its disciplinary process for Rice. It's widely anticipated that the Chiefs star will receive a multi-game suspension at some point during the upcoming 2025 season. "We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review," NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told Schefter. The Chiefs, for their part, declined to comment on Thursday.

Rice expresses remorse

In a statement released through his attorney on Thursday, Rice expressed deep regret for his actions. "Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas," Rice said. "There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole. I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart." He added, "Last and certainly not least, I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families."

Police reports indicated that Rice was traveling at a dangerous 119 mph in a Lamborghini SUV shortly before the crash occurred in Dallas. Dallas district attorney John Creuzot emphasized that Rice was "fortunate to have walked away unharmed" and voiced hope that Rice "takes this as an opportunity to mature and leads by example." Creuzot stressed the responsibility that comes with a public platform, stating, "When someone with Mr. Rice's public platform chooses to drive so recklessly, there is a responsibility to acknowledge the danger posed to others and take accountability."

On-field future and recovery

Rice, 25, suffered a torn right ACL in Week 4 last season, which sidelined him for the remainder of the Chiefs' AFC Championship campaign. However, the Chiefs expect their 2023 second-round draft pick to be healthy and ready when training camp commences next week. A Dallas native, Rice played for SMU in Dallas and grew up in the Fort Worth suburb of North Richland Hills. He was the second-leading receiver on Kansas City's Super Bowl-winning team in 2023, boasting nine touchdown catches in his 20 career games.