The legal gavel has fallen, but the real consequences are just beginning. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice received his sentence for a multi-car crash that shook Dallas last offseason, but now the NFL must decide how to handle one of its rising stars. With the criminal case closed, all eyes turn to the league office where Rice’s immediate future hangs in the balance.
How Many Games Will Chiefs Rashee Rice Be Suspended?
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a Dallas County Judge has sentenced Rashee Rice to five years’ probation and 30 days of jail time, which can be served at any point during those five years.
ESPN sources: A Dallas County judge just sentenced Chiefs WR Rashee Rice to five years probation and 30 days of jail time that can be served during those five years stemming for his role in a multi-car crash in Dallas during the 2024 offseason.
Now that the judge has ruled, the… pic.twitter.com/MKGytL6Lzk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025
The incident that started this legal saga involved Rice reportedly driving on a Dallas highway at 119 mph, causing a crash involving six total vehicles.
The NFL held off on any disciplinary action during the 2024-25 season, reportedly waiting for the criminal proceedings to conclude before taking action against the Chiefs’ wide receiver. Now that a judge has ruled on the case, the league will likely move forward with its own punishment.
While it’s difficult to predict exactly how many games Rice will be suspended for, Kansas City Chiefs insider Matt Derrick reported that sources inside the organization told him they are expecting anywhere from two to four games.
I’ve been told by sources in the organization the Chiefs believe Rashee Rice may get a suspension of 2-4 games. Whether that is optimistic I can’t tell you for sure. https://t.co/OYlZiMuGBM
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) July 17, 2025
“I’ve been told by sources in the organization the Chiefs believe Rashee Rice may get a suspension of 2-4 games,” Derrick wrote. “Whether that is optimistic I can’t tell you for sure.”
Do Past NFL Disciplinary Actions Hint at Rice’s Likely Suspension?
Looking at recent precedent, other NFL players have faced suspensions for reckless driving, so Rice’s punishment will likely fall in a similar range. In August 2024, cornerback J.C. Jackson was suspended one game for reckless driving, but since Jackson didn’t cause any injuries, Rice could face a longer suspension.
However, Rice’s situation involves more serious charges. He was charged with aggravated assault, which raises the stakes considerably. The NFL rarely penalizes players harshly for reckless driving alone, but given the injuries involved in Rice’s case, a minimum suspension of two to four games seems likely.
The league will take its time determining a suspension that fits Rice’s case, but it would be surprising if he doesn’t miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season.
