Latest NFL Suspension Should Catch Rashee Rice, Chiefs' Attention
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs still await a resolution on second-year WR Rashee Rice's potential suspension following the car crash in Dallas he caused at the end of March.
It's expected that Rice will be suspended eventually, though it's unclear whether that suspension will come in the 2024-25 season or later as the legal proceedings are ongoing. One point of comparison could be Steelers' CB Cameron Sutton, who was just suspended eight games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
With rumors that Rice's suspension could be eight games as well, this is a matter both he and the Chiefs should pay attention to.
Chiefs, Rashee Rice Should Monitor Cameron Sutton Suspension
I will note here: Sutton’s criminal case was resolved in April (three months ago) when he entered a pretrial diversion program.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) July 8, 2024
We haven’t seen any indication yet of a resolution in the case involving Rashee Rice. Take a deep breath and wait. https://t.co/MDXhKZcgZt
There is not a direct one-to-one comparison between Sutton and Rice. Sutton turned himself in after a warrant was issued for an alleged domestic violence incident in March and entered a pretrial diversion program on misdemeanor battery charges.
Sutton's case was concluded. Rice's is not. Since Roger Goodell said the NFL was waiting for the legal process to play out, the Chiefs may not have a resolution anytime soon.
It's also important that Sutton's charges were misdemeanors whereas Rice faces felonies. He's admitted his role and taken responsibility but until the case's conclusion is finalized, the NFL might not make a ruling.
The Chiefs would obviously prefer to find out sooner than later when, or if, Rice will be suspended. A worst-case scenario involves some sort of midseason suspension though it seems more likely the NFL would wait to levy a punishment until 2025-26 if it doesn't come before Week 1.
For now, Rice is a full participant in Kansas City's offseason programs and operating as if he's a normal member of the roster. That's wise given the stakes of a potential three-peat but Rice's dilemma is still a black cloud hanging over the organization.
We'll continue to update you as more information becomes available on this developing situation. Training camp begins in less than two weeks and Rice is expected to be right there in St. Joseph, Missouri, alongside his teammates.
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