The Kansas City Chiefs have kicked off their offseason program, just a few days after receiver Rashee Rice surrendered on eight felony charges related to a street race that occurred in Dallas last month. It remains uncertain if Rice will be present for the initial phase of the program, which is being held virtually. This eliminates the need for him to physically show up at the facility and field questions from reporters.
However, if there are press conferences with Coach Andy Reid or select players, queries about Rice’s legal situation are almost certainly going to arise. The team is likely to have a strategy in place for dealing with these questions, possibly stating that it is a pending legal issue and refusing to make further comment. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been seen throwing with Rice in Texas alongside other Chiefs players working with Mahomes.
The decision on whether to keep Rice away from the team during his legal proceedings is still up in the air. There may be additional charges filed against Rice, such as leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries. Possible options include placing Rice on paid leave, agreeing to keep him away from on-site work or releasing him from the team altogether. Despite the legal challenges he is facing, the team believes that Rice has star potential and wants to continue developing him.
Regardless of what happens next, the Chiefs must prepare for the possibility of not having Rice for part or all of next season. This could occur if he gets placed on Commissioner Exempt list with pay while legal proceedings unfold or faces suspension without pay if he pleads guilty to any charges in the future. The team must proceed carefully and make decisions that align with their values and goals as a team.
