NFL Insider discusses Rashee Rice’s possible suspension

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice faces some sort of suspension in 2024. That’s not up for debate as the former second-round pick is in trouble after his car accident and alleged assault. However, no one knows how severe this ban will be. Recently, Pro Football Talks Mike Florio wrote an article that doesn’t paint a bright future for the SMU product.

NFL insider believes Rashee Rice faces an “aggravated” suspension

The current fees

Let’s start by recapping the events that led to Rashee Rice’s inevitable suspension. The wide receiver is currently facing eight felony charges for driving 119 miles per hour and causing a six-car accident in Dallas. Earlier this week, Rice allegedly assaulted a man at a club in Dallas.

There’s no denying that Rice was involved in the car accident, but the details surrounding the alleged assault remain unclear at this time. With that in mind, things aren’t looking good for Rice. According to the police report, Rice lured the alleged victim back into the club and assaulted him, causing “visible swelling on one side of the face.”

To be fair, two witnesses claim they did not see Rice hit the photographer. While this might be enough to raise reasonable doubt and prevent a criminal conviction, it might not save Rashee Rice from suspension. The NFL has the right to impose penalties as it sees fit, and its threshold has historically been based on “more likely than not.”

Even if Rashee Rice had a perfect record before this summer, he would still face a suspension for the car accident and possibly the alleged assault, depending on what details emerge in the coming weeks. However, a recent report reveals that the former Super Bowl champion’s collegial actions could trigger a key clause in the personal conduct policy.

“Increased Discipline” in Rashee Rice Suspension

According to Florio, “multiple sources” have indicated that Rice had serious character issues heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. According to the article, Rice (or a member of his entourage) fired several bullets into an empty car driven by SMU basketball player Kendric Davis. This action reportedly happened because Rice believed Davis was meeting his girlfriend.

Florio added that while this report never reached the media, every team in the league knew about it going into the draft. Even though this happened before Rashee Rice joined the NFL, the incident could impact his eventual suspension.

According to the personal conduct policy, “(p)layers with a history of misconduct, including misconduct committed prior to their association with the NFL, are subject to aggravated and/or expedited discipline.”

Based on this paragraph, no one should be surprised if Rashee Rice’s suspension keeps him out of the league for at least the 2024 season. Of course, football could be the least of his worries as he has already been charged with eight crimes and may be facing another. If Rice attacked that photographer at the Dallas club, don’t be surprised if the Chiefs let go of their troublesome wideout and move on with Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy.

Main photo: Stephen R. Slyvanie – USA Today Sports