NEWS UPDATE: Uncertainty surrounds Rashee Rice’s attendance as Chiefs kick off offseason program

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice is facing some serious legal trouble after being charged with eight felony counts following a street-racing incident in Dallas. The Chiefs are set to kick off their offseason program on Monday, but it’s uncertain whether Rice will be in attendance.

The decision ultimately lies with the NFL and the Chiefs, as they have the power to prevent Rice from participating. The league could opt to place him on paid leave or even suspend him without pay. On the other hand, the Chiefs could simply ask him not to show up, and he may agree to stay away.

This situation is not entirely unprecedented for the Chiefs. In the past, they made a similar decision when former receiver Tyreek Hill voluntarily stayed away from offseason workouts while an investigation was ongoing regarding his son’s broken arm. Despite no one being prosecuted for the incident, the Chiefs and Hill thought it was best for him to stay away during the process.

In light of these circumstances, it would be in Rice’s best interest to stay away from this year’s offseason workouts. Moreover, it is essential for the league to take a firm stance on players who engage in reckless behavior that endangers others, as was the case with Rice.

Will NFL, Chiefs take action on Rashee Rice before offseason program opens on Monday? https://t.co/C3x5TnDK9R #sports #feedly

— K Dubb (@TheReal_KDubb) April 12, 2024

NFL urged to take a stand on reckless behavior

While Rice’s actions may not have been intentional or malicious, they displayed a level of recklessness that is deeply concerning. The NFL needs to send a clear message to all players that driving at high speeds among other vehicles is completely unacceptable.

Typically, the league tries to avoid putting players on paid leave to prevent further media scrutiny. However, in this instance, creating more awareness around the issue could be beneficial. The non-sports media is already covering the Rice case, so it’s an opportunity for the league to issue a strong warning to players about reckless driving.

Rashee Rice is REALLY LUCKY no one died. He was driving 119 MPH. This is bad but it could have been much worse for him if someone had died or even been seriously injured. I hope he owns the consequences and learns from this b/d he dodged a big bullet.

— Coach Kyle (@Kyle661979) April 12, 2024

If the league fails to take action, then it falls on the Chiefs to step up. Following the charges against Rice, the team chose not to comment. However, in light of the situation, it’s crucial for them to address the issue and take a stand.

Rashee Rice was driving 119 mph moments before a crash in Dallas last month, police say https://t.co/vPocUSxENS

— NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) April 12, 2024

In the aftermath of the incident, Chiefs president Mark Donovan made a statement that turned out to be inaccurate, claiming that no one was hurt. This misinformation highlights the need for the team to reassess their approach and take a more proactive stance.