Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to five years of probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of probation following his involvement in a March 2024 high-speed car crash, according to a Dallas County news release.
Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges. As part of a plea agreement with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, he was also required to pay restitution to all the victims for out-of-pocket medical expenses before entering the plea - an amount totaling $115,481.91.
Rice’s lawyer, Royce West, released a statement on Thursday on Rice’s behalf:
“Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas. 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.
“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.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report that Rice’s legal matter had been resolved.
The resolution of Rice’s case allows the NFL to move forward with a suspension under the league’s personal conduct policy. Schefter reported on Thursday that Rice is now expected to be suspended this season.
When reached by The Kansas City Star on Thursday, the NFL released this statement: “We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review.”
Police reports indicated Rice was driving 119 mph in his leased Lamborghini Urus just seconds before the crash, which caused a chain reaction on a Dallas highway. Rice, who didn’t check on other victims and fled the scene on foot, initially faced eight charges.
Rice also had one of his civil cases resolved this week. Court records show he settled on Wednesday and agreed to pay one of the victim families $1,086,000. That amount included pre-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees. If the full amount isn’t paid, interest will continue to accrue.
The 25-year-old Rice emerged as a star receiver early last season, catching 24 passes for 288 yards in four games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He has been practicing at full speed during Chiefs workouts this summer.
Chiefs spokesperson Brad Gee said on Thursday the team was aware of the reports regarding Rice.
“With it being an ongoing legal matter, we won’t have a comment at this time,” Gee said.
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot, in the news release, warned of the dangers of street racing.
“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,” Creuzot said. “A vehicle in the wrong hands can be as dangerous as any weapon.
“We are extremely fortunate that no lives were lost that day, and Mr. Rice is fortunate to have walked away unharmed. We hope he takes this as an opportunity to mature and leads by example moving forward. I wish him the best in making safer choices.”
The Chiefs open training camp Tuesday in St. Joseph, Missouri.