With Week 1 on the horizon, one dark cloud continues to hang over the Kansas City Chiefs. Wide receiver Rashee Rice‘s legal situation may have been resolved, but the star pass catcher has yet to officially get suspended by the NFL following his March 2024 multi-vehicle crash.
On August 14, it was reported that a September 30 hearing was set for Rice’s matter. His disciplinary hearing with the NFL will be conducted before judge Sue L. Robinson, who famously proceeded over the Deshaun Watson case years ago. This new development opened the door for Rice to play in the Chiefs’ first four games of the regular season.
August 15 brings even more context to the situation. Tom Pelissero of NFL Media broke down the NFL’s proposed timeline for a Rice suspension and why it led to the hearing.
Pelissero: NFL Proposed Rashee Rice Suspension of At Least 10 Games
It’s a shocker. According to Pelissero, the league pitched a suspension of at least 10 games.
“My understanding is the NFL initially proposed a lengthy suspension: double-digit games for Rashee Rice,” Pelissero said. “The Players union and Rashee Rice’s attorney and agents argued for a much shorter suspension, in part because there is no precedent for suspending someone for over half a season in a case like this.”
Things don’t stop there. Pelissero added that although the hearing date is finalized with Robinson, Rice may never reach that point. It’s still on the table that both sides agree to a revised suspension timeline prior to September 30. In that event, his eligibility window of Weeks 1-4 could be impacted.
‘There is still a possibility that the sides could come together and agree to a settlement on a suspension that would allow Rice to be suspended at the start of the season,” Pelissero said. “If not, then he would be eligible for at least those first three games. But given the fact that not only the decision-making process, but potential appeals could extend that process into October or November if it goes before judge Robinson, this is something then that could potentially jeopardize his availability for the postseason.”
At the time of Rice’s legal case reaching its conclusion in mid-July, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk guessed the NFL would propose a 10-game suspension. With Pelissero’s report signaling just that, there’s now a clearer understanding of why Rice’s side wants a third party involved.
Rice & Chiefs Attempting to Stay on Track in the Meantime
Speaking to local media on August 3, Rice expressed how appreciative he is for everything now that a major mistake is in the rearview mirror.
“Just how valuable any opportunity is and any moment is,” Rice said. “This right here, us being able to be on the field and be able to be coached by coach [Andy] Reid and have such a great quarterback is honestly a gift. It’s a blessing. Honestly, to not take advantage of opportunities like this.”
Saying and doing the right things doesn’t change the past, however. At some point this season, Rice is expected to miss time. Ten games is a hefty price to pay. Perhaps Robinson pitches something different or maybe the NFL and NFLPA come to an abbreviated agreement. There’s still plenty of uncertainty regarding this situation, even with Pelissero’s provided clarity.
In the interim, Rice will attempt to pick back up where he left off last season before injury. In Weeks 1-3 of 2024, he was the Chiefs’ top target. Hauling in 24 passes for 288 yards, the former second-round pick broke out in a major way. His return, when paired with Xavier Worthy and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, could see Kansas City’s offense bounce back in 2025-26.
Rice must be available for that to happen, though, which remains somewhat out of his control.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Insider Reveals NFL’s Proposed Suspension for Chiefs WR Rashee Rice appeared first on Heavy Sports.