There was a lot of outrage around NFL fanbases after news broke that the league was allowing Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice to play in the first few games of the regular season by scheduling his disciplinary hearing for a hit-and-run car accident on September 30.
“ESPN sources: Chiefs WR Rashee Rice is expected to have his disciplinary hearing with the NFL on Tuesday, Sept 30 in New York. This means that Rice now is likely to be able to play the first four weeks of this season before any potential discipline is imposed for his role in a multi-car crash in Dallas during the 2024 offseason,” reported ESPN’s senior NFL insider Adam Schefter.
“With Rashee Rice’s hearing now on track for Sept. 30, this would make him eligible to play the first four weeks of the season with games against the Chargers in Brazil, the Eagles, at the Giants and the Ravens.”
However, it would seem the league is taking things more seriously than many originally anticipated.
“The NFL initially proposed a lengthy suspension that would sideline#Chiefs WR Rashee Rice for over half the season. And while a Sept. 30 hearing date has been set, it’s still possible a settlement could be reached before the season,” reported NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“This means the NFL considers a non-fatality traffic accident the same as sexually assaulting 7 women,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“This short suspension will show the league’s blatant favoritism,” one fan added.
“I’ve seen folks get less of a suspension for domestic abuse, etc. Nobody died in the high speed chase, he’s paid restitution, and he’ll do a little jail time. He shouldn’t get more than a 6 game suspension if not 4,” another fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see what the league ultimately decides on.