Despite legal issues, Rice expected at Chiefs offseason workouts

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed on Monday that wide receiver Rashee Rice would be participating in the team’s voluntary offseason program, despite facing charges stemming from a sports car crash in Texas.

According to Dallas police, Rice and a friend were allegedly driving at high speeds when they lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a multi-vehicle collision that caused injuries to multiple people. Rice turned himself in after warrants were issued for his arrest, and he was subsequently released on bond.

Represented by Texas state Sen. Royce West, Rice expressed remorse for the incident and intends to cooperate with law enforcement. Reid, while refraining from discussing details, acknowledged having spoken with Rice and emphasized allowing the legal process to unfold.

Given the Chiefs’ practice of conducting virtual meetings at the outset of the offseason program, Reid did not specify whether Rice would participate in on-field activities once permitted. He stressed the importance of gathering information from law enforcement before making decisions regarding Rice’s involvement.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes indicated that he had continued working with Rice during the offseason and expressed readiness to adapt to the ongoing legal proceedings.

A native of North Richland Hills, Texas, Rice played college football at SMU before being drafted by the Chiefs in the second round last year. He emerged as a key contributor, leading the team in touchdown receptions and playing a significant role in their Super Bowl victory.

Rice and former SMU teammate Teddy Knox are facing a lawsuit in Texas, seeking over $11 million in damages.  The plaintiffs have been identified as Edvard Petrovskiy and Irina Gromova, who allege that Rice and Knox engaged in a deliberate race at excessive speeds, causing the collision and resulting injuries that include brain trauma and facial lacerations that required stitches, with bruising, disfigurement, and internal bleeding. 

An arrest affidavit obtained by the Dallas Morning News on Friday indicates that Rice was driving at a speed of 119 mph just moments before the six-vehicle crash.  Knox’s speed was clocked at 116 mph just seconds before the incident.