Chiefs' Rashee Rice Avoids NFL Discipline Over Abuse Allegations

The league completed its investigation into claims made by Rice's former girlfriend.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:04pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep blues, greens, and reds, conveying a sense of fragmentation and unease.The NFL's decision not to discipline Rashee Rice over abuse allegations raises questions about the league's handling of domestic violence cases.Dallas Today

The NFL has determined that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice did not violate the league's personal conduct policy following an investigation into allegations of abuse from his former girlfriend, Dacoda Jones. Jones had filed a civil lawsuit against Rice in February, accusing him of physical assault over the course of their relationship from 2023 to 2025. The league announced on Friday that Rice will not face any discipline.

Why it matters

This decision by the NFL comes after Rice has faced off-field issues in each of the last three offseasons, including a six-game suspension in 2025 for a previous incident. The league's handling of domestic violence cases has come under scrutiny in recent years, so this ruling on Rice's case will be closely watched.

The details

According to the lawsuit filed by Jones, she accused Rice of physically assaulting her, including strangling her, over the course of their relationship while she was pregnant. Jones said Rice also engaged in other abusive behaviors like throwing objects and locking her out of their home. Rice's attorney has disputed Jones' claims, citing a sworn affidavit from Jones stating that Rice 'did not punch' her during a verbal argument in 2025.

  • In January 2026, Jones made domestic violence allegations against Rice on social media.
  • On February 16, 2026, Jones filed a $1 million civil lawsuit against Rice in Dallas County, Texas.
  • On April 3, 2026, the NFL announced it had completed its investigation and determined Rice did not violate the personal conduct policy.

The players

Rashee Rice

A wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs who was the subject of a domestic violence investigation by the NFL.

Dacoda Jones

The former girlfriend of Rashee Rice who filed a civil lawsuit against him accusing him of physical assault during their relationship.

Sean Lindsey

The attorney representing Rashee Rice, who released a statement on his behalf regarding the NFL's decision.

Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL team that employs Rashee Rice, who issued a statement regarding the league's investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Rice wants to thank the NFL for their thorough investigation, and looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season.”

— Sean Lindsey, Rice's attorney

“On October 9th, 2025, well after the parties' relationship had ended, Ms. Jones stated under penalty of perjury in a sworn Affidavit for Non-Prosecution that 'Mr. Rice and I had a verbal argument, but he did not punch me.' We will allow the legal process to run its course and have no further comment at this time.”

— Sean Lindsey, Rice's attorney

What’s next

The civil lawsuit filed by Dacoda Jones against Rashee Rice is still ongoing, and the legal process will continue to play out.

The takeaway

This decision by the NFL highlights the league's ongoing challenges in handling domestic violence cases, as it continues to face scrutiny over its approach to such allegations. The outcome of the civil lawsuit against Rice will be closely watched as well.