St. Joseph, Mo. — As the Kansas City Chiefs move past the halfway point of their training camp, wide receiver Russie Rice has yet to receive any notification from the NFL regarding a potential suspension during the 2025 season.
“Honestly, it’s still being worked on,” Rice said following practice on Saturday. “My legal team is handling it, and all I can do is focus on what I can control right now.”
If Rice is suspended by the league, it would be due to a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. This is linked to an incident last year on the Dallas Highway, where Rice and another speeding driver caused a chain-reaction crash that injured multiple people. Last month, Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail followed by five years of probation for his involvement in the multi-car accident.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy acknowledged last month that the league is “closely monitoring all developments of the issues under review.”
Rice pleaded guilty in district court to two third-degree felony charges related to racing on a highway resulting in serious physical injuries, according to a statement from the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. The ruling has been postponed, with the case potentially being dismissed if Rice completes probation successfully.
“I’ve learned how precious opportunities and moments are,” Rice shared. “Being on the field, coached by Andy Reid, and playing alongside a great quarterback like Patrick Mahomes is truly a gift and a blessing.”
“I’ve changed completely. You have to learn from these experiences, and I’ve taken full advantage of that learning.”
At 25 years old, Rice is now fully engaged in practices with the Chiefs after recovering from a lateral collateral ligament injury in her right knee sustained in the fourth week of last season.
Once the NFL concludes its disciplinary review, Rice might face the league’s suspension. Regardless, he has promised to maintain his fitness and stay prepared, even if separated from his teammates.
“This is my job and what I want to do,” Rice said. “Even when I can’t be with my team, I’m pushing myself hard so I can return as soon as possible.”
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Fan Take: This update is crucial for NFL fans because Russie Rice’s status could impact the Chiefs’ offensive depth next season. How the league handles off-field conduct issues like this also sets an important precedent for player accountability in the sport.
