Why was Rashee Rice suspended? 2024 accident explored as NFL star sentenced to 30 days in jail

Kansas City Chiefs star wide receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to 30 days behind bars and five years of probation. The athlete was convicted for his role in a multicar collision that took place last year.

Per ESPN, a statement from the Dallas County District Attorney's office reveals:

Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges. This includes "collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury."

The outlet also reported that a Dallas County judge has allowed Rashee Rice to serve time behind bars any during the probation. According to the outlet,

The NFL now can expedite its disciplinary process of Rice, who is likely to receive a multigame suspension at some point during the 2025 season.

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Everything we know about Rashee Rice's legal struggles

The incident happened when Rashee Rice, a Super Bowl winner, was driving a Lamborghini Urus SUV last year. Per CNN, he was speeding at 119 mph on the North Central Expressway in Dallas when he lost control. As a result, he collided with the center median wall, causing five cars to crash. Four people were treated for minor injuries, Daily Mail reported. Per the DA, the athlete tried to flee on foot and “failed to check on the welfare of the victims” at the time.

In the past, Rashee Rice asserted taking “full responsibility” for the collision. He has issued a statement via his lawyer, Royce West, to say:

"Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas. here 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."

A spokesperson for the team has since told the outlet,

“The club is aware of the reports. With it being an ongoing legal matter, we won’t have a comment at this time.”

An NFL spokesperson noted that, as of this writing, the situation “remains under review.” Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot said in a statement:

“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.” He added: “We are extremely fortunate that no lives were lost that day, and Mr. Rice is fortunate to have walked away unharmed.”

CNN has reported that ahead of making his plea deal, Rashee Rice had shelled out $115,000 in restitution to all of the victims of the crash, directed toward their medical expenses.

NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy said in a statement, per CNN:

"We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review."

The Kansas City Chiefs told Associated Press on Thursday that they did not have a comment on the debacle.

Rashee Rice has been recuperating from a torn ACL he suffered from last year. As a result, the former SMU Mustang was expected to miss the start of Kansas City's 2025 campaign, though his supension could now prolong his return to the game. Training is scheduled to begin next week.

According to Daily Mail, Rashee Rice, a Dallas native, had played for the Southern Methodist University. However, he grew up in Fort Worth in North Richland Hills. Per the outlet, he has amassed $3.5 million during his career and was expected to make $1.3 million this year, though this figure could take a plunge given his potential suspension.

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