NFL Clears Chiefs' Rashee Rice After $1M Abuse Lawsuit

League says receiver did not violate personal conduct policy despite ex-girlfriend's allegations.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:56pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a color palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying a sense of tension and unresolved conflict.The NFL's decision not to punish a player accused of domestic abuse highlights the league's ongoing challenges in balancing player rights and accountability.Kansas City Today

The National Football League has decided that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will not face discipline following abuse allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, Dacoda Jones. The league concluded that Rice 'has not engaged in conduct that violates the personal conduct policy' after Jones filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million in damages and made claims of physical harm, being locked outside while pregnant, and ongoing control and intimidation.

Why it matters

The NFL's decision not to punish Rice despite the serious allegations raised by his ex-girlfriend highlights the challenges the league faces in investigating and adjudicating domestic violence cases, especially when criminal charges are not filed. The case also raises questions about how the league balances the rights of players against the need to hold them accountable for off-field misconduct.

The details

In February, Jones filed a civil lawsuit in Dallas County seeking more than $1 million in damages. The filing outlined what she described as a pattern of abuse between December 2023 and July 2025, including allegations of physical harm, being locked outside while pregnant, and ongoing control and intimidation. Rice has not been criminally charged, and his attorney previously pointed to an affidavit Jones allegedly signed stating Rice 'did not punch her,' framing the situation as a verbal dispute rather than physical violence.

  • In January, Jones made abuse allegations against Rice in an Instagram post that was later deleted.
  • In February, Jones filed a civil lawsuit against Rice seeking over $1 million in damages.
  • On April 9, 2026, the NFL announced it would not discipline Rice following its investigation.

The players

Rashee Rice

A wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs who was the subject of abuse allegations by his ex-girlfriend, Dacoda Jones.

Dacoda Jones

The ex-girlfriend of Rashee Rice who filed a $1 million civil lawsuit against him, alleging a pattern of abuse including physical harm, being locked outside while pregnant, and ongoing control and intimidation.

Sean Lindsey

The attorney representing Rashee Rice, who previously pointed to an affidavit signed by Jones stating Rice 'did not punch her.'

Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL team that employs Rashee Rice, which has acknowledged awareness of the allegations against him but has not issued additional comment.

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What they’re saying

“Rashee Rice is grateful the NFL has concluded its investigation and looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season.”

— Sean Lindsey, Attorney for Rashee Rice

The takeaway

The NFL's decision not to discipline Rashee Rice despite the serious allegations raised by his ex-girlfriend highlights the league's ongoing challenges in investigating and adjudicating domestic violence cases, especially when criminal charges are not filed. The case raises questions about how the NFL balances player rights against the need for accountability for off-field misconduct.