Kansas City Chiefs State They Are Aware of Alleged Abuse Claims Connected to Wide Receiver Rashee Rice

The NFL franchise issued a statement on Wednesday evening confirming they are aware of claims of abuse made public in online accounts by a ex-partner of wide receiver Rashee Rice and had been in communication with the NFL.

The team did not mention Rice by name in their announcement and noted they would have “nothing more to add at this time”.

Claims Posted on Social Media

Dacoda Nichole Jones, who also did not mention the athlete by name, shared a series of photos on Instagram that appeared to show signs of physical abuse. She stated the person involved was the father of her children, and it is known she has kids with Rice, whom the team drafted in the second round.

Official Complaints Reportedly Not on File

No official complaints were on file in the Kansas City suburb where the alleged abuse is said to have taken place.

Player's Prior Legal Issues

The receiver was absent for the first six games of this season due to an NFL suspension for his involvement in causing a multi-vehicle accident on a Texas roadway that left multiple people hurt. He was sentenced 30 days in jail and probationary supervision after entering a guilty plea to felony charges.

Statistically, Rice concluded the season with 53 catches for 571 receiving yards and five TDs as the Chiefs finished 6-11 and failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time in a decade.