Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Rashee Rice Accused of Domestic Violence in Lawsuit
A lawsuit filed this week alleges that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice physically assaulted his former girlfriend multiple times over a year-and-a-half period, resulting in significant injuries including bleeding and bruising. The legal action, brought by Dacoda Jones, seeks more than $1 million in damages and details a pattern of alleged abuse that occurred at their homes in Dallas and suburban Kansas City.
Details of the Allegations and Legal Proceedings
According to the lawsuit filed Monday in Dallas County, Jones accuses Rice of strangling her in December 2023 following an escalation in violent behavior, with assaults continuing through July 2025. The document states that Rice has engaged in actions such as grabbing, choking, strangling, pushing, throwing, scratching, hitting, and headbutting Jones, as well as hitting her with objects. Many of these incidents reportedly took place while Jones was pregnant, and she has two children with Rice.
Jones' injuries are described in the lawsuit as including bleeding, swelling, bruising, and other physical pain. The filing comes after she made domestic violence allegations in social media posts last month, though her attorney has not confirmed whether police were ever called regarding these incidents.
Responses from Rice, the Chiefs, and the NFL
Agents and an attorney for Rashee Rice did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press on Wednesday. The Kansas City Chiefs issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the lawsuit and confirming ongoing communication with the NFL. The NFL, for its part, stated that the matter remains under review, indicating potential disciplinary actions pending investigation.
This lawsuit adds to Rice's legal troubles, as he previously faced consequences for his role in a high-speed crash on a Dallas highway during the 2024 offseason. That incident resulted in an NFL suspension, causing him to miss the first six games of last season, and led to a sentence of 30 days in jail plus five years' probation after pleading guilty to felony charges.
Impact on Rice's Career and Team Performance
Rashee Rice, who finished the last season with 53 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns, saw the Kansas City Chiefs struggle to a 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. The ongoing legal issues could further affect his professional standing and team dynamics, depending on the outcome of the lawsuit and any subsequent NFL decisions.
The case highlights broader concerns about domestic violence in professional sports, with the NFL's handling of such matters under scrutiny. As the legal process unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely for developments that could influence Rice's future in the league and the Chiefs' roster decisions.
