Ex-girlfriend of Chiefs WR Rashee Rice files civil suit alleging abuse

Decoda Jones says Rice was physically abusive over a 1.5-year period

Feb. 22, 2026 at 5:55am

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The ex-girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Rice physically abused her for over a year, including incidents of strangling, hitting, and destroying property. The suit seeks over $1 million in damages.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in professional sports and the need for stronger policies and support systems to protect victims. It also raises questions about Rice's history of legal troubles, including a 2024 car crash that led to a suspension.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Decoda Jones says Rice was physically abusive from December 2023 through July 2025, including specific incidents of strangling, grabbing, pushing, hitting, and destroying property. The suit alleges the abuse occurred while Jones was pregnant with their two children.

  • In December 2023, Rice allegedly strangled Jones at their shared home.
  • The abuse continued over the course of their relationship through July 2025.

The players

Rashee Rice

A wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs who was previously suspended for a 2024 car crash that led to multiple injuries.

Decoda Jones

The ex-girlfriend of Rashee Rice who has filed a civil lawsuit alleging Rice physically abused her over a 1.5-year period.

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What they’re saying

“'Defendant Rashee Rice and Plaintiff Decoda Jones lived together. Following an escalation in violent behavior, in December, 2023, defendant Rashee Rice strangled plaintiff Decoda Jones at their shared home in Victory Park, Texas. Defendant Rashee Rice continued to repeatedly assault Decoda Jones over the course of their relationship through July 2025.'”

— Decoda Jones, Plaintiff

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow Rice out on bail as the civil case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for professional sports leagues to have robust domestic violence policies and support systems in place to protect victims and hold abusers accountable, even in cases that do not result in criminal charges.