Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice finds himself in the spotlight, but not for his on-field performances. Allegations have emerged in a lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, Dacota Jones, who is also the mother of his two children. Jones is seeking $1 million in damages, accusing Rice of assault during their relationship.
The lawsuit paints a troubling picture, alleging that Rice repeatedly assaulted Jones, including an incident in December 2023 where she claims he strangled her while she was pregnant. Additionally, the suit accuses Rice of destroying property and locking Jones out of their home.
Rice's legal team has responded to these serious allegations. According to a statement released by his attorney, Jones had previously stated under oath in an Affidavit for Non-Prosecution that the couple had a verbal argument but that Rice did not physically harm her. The statement emphasizes their intent to let the legal process unfold without further public comment.
The Kansas City Chiefs are also aware of the situation. In a statement obtained by the Kansas City Star, the team acknowledged the allegations circulating on social media and confirmed they are in communication with the NFL. The Chiefs have chosen not to comment further at this time.
Rice's off-field issues have impacted his career before. He began the 2025 season with a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's player conduct policy, stemming from an incident in March 2024. Despite this setback, Rice managed to make a notable comeback, ending the season with 53 receptions, 571 yards, and five touchdowns.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will remain on how these allegations might affect Rice's career and the Chiefs' plans moving forward. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges teams face in balancing player conduct with performance on the field.