The matter of potential league discipline in the case of Rashee Rice is still unresolved at this point. That will continue through the start of the coming season. 
The third-year Chiefs wideout has long been viewed as a candidate for a suspension stemming from his involvement in a March 2024 hit-and-run incident. His criminal case was concluded last month with a sentence of five years probation and a 30-day prison term. Rice received deferred adjudication, so completing the probation process will close the case and allow him to avoid serving time in prison. Shortly after that key development, one of the three civil suits associated with the case was settled.
Attention will now turn to the NFL’s investigation into the matter and any supplemental discipline which is handed down as a result. On that note, Thursday has seen a notable update in the Rice case. A league hearing is set to take place on September 30, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. It is at that time, presumably, an announcement will be made with respect to any potential suspension. Schefter adds that judge Sue L. Robinson will preside over the hearing (having only previously done so in the Deshaun Watson case).
Today’s news means a firm timeline is now in place for Rice and the Chiefs to learn how long he will be unavailable in the event of a suspension. It also means, however, the 25-year-old will be available for Kansas City during the first four games of the campaign. That stretch covers contests against the Chargers, Eagles, Giants and Ravens.
An LCL tear limited Rice to just four games last season, one in which expectations were high regarding his production and role in Kansas City’s offense. The SMU product flashed as a rookie with 938 yards and seven touchdowns, and he could reprise his role as the Chiefs’ No. 1 receiver when on the field this season. Given today’s news, though, it will remain unclear well into the campaign how many games Rice will miss in 2025.
Kansas City’s WR depth chart also includes Xavier Worthy, who enjoyed a strong run during the playoffs (including the Super Bowl) during his rookie campaign. A step forward in Year 2 would be key for team and player in the former first-rounder’s case. The Chiefs also have the likes of Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore in place entering the season. A more consistent showing on offense will be targeted as Kansas City looks to top the AFC once again in 2025.
Rice figures to play a role in that effort, at least during the first month of the season. Once his hearing takes place, the length of any suspension handed down will of course be a key storyline for he and the Chiefs.
Goodell is taking a real slow roll on this review. KC has a lot of friends in Roger’s office…
Or, maybe this:
“His criminal case was concluded last month with a sentence of five years probation and a 30-day prison term. Rice received deferred adjudication, so completing the probation process will close the case and allow him to avoid serving time in prison. Shortly after that key development, one of the three civil suits associated with the case was settled.
Attention will now turn to the NFL’s investigation into the matter and any supplemental discipline which is handed down as a result. On that note, Thursday has seen a notable update in the Rice case. A league hearing is set to take place on September 30.”
“Keep your friends close but your enemies closer”.
The Chiefs have been scheduled for 7 prime time games to keep network ratings high… so I wouldn’t expect the punishment to amount to much.