Rashee Rice suspended six games by NFL after personal conduct policy violation

The Kansas City Chiefs are starting the new NFL season with some major drama off the field. Wide receiver Rashee Rice, who was expected to be a huge part of Patrick Mahomes’ passing game, won’t be suiting up anytime soon. The NFL has officially suspended Rice for six games under its personal conduct policy, a decision that follows months of speculation and back-and-forth about how harsh the punishment would be.

NFL hands down six-game suspension for Rashee Rice

According to ESPN and NFL Network, Rice agreed to a six-game ban that kicks in Week 1 of the 2025 season, when the Chiefs open in Brazil. He’ll be eligible to return in Week 7, giving Kansas City half a season without one of their top young offensive weapons.

The league originally wanted something closer to a double-digit suspension, but a negotiated settlement with the NFL Players Association landed at six games. It’s a huge storyline heading into the new year, with the NFL balancing discipline and the Chiefs trying to defend their dynasty.

The legal troubles behind the NFL’s decision

The suspension stems from Rice’s role in a chain-reaction crash in Dallas back in March 2024. He pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies in July, which resulted in a sentence of 30 days in jail, five years of probation, and more than $115,000 in restitution to the victims.

While the jail time can be served during his probation, the NFL moved forward with discipline under its personal conduct policy. The ruling makes it clear that Rice’s off-field choices are now impacting his football future.

For Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, the loss of Rice is no small thing. After a breakout rookie season, he was expected to be the No. 1 wideout in Kansas City’s retooled offense. Instead, Patrick Mahomes will have to lean more heavily on Hollywood Brown, rookie speedster Xavier Worthy, and veterans like Skyy Moore and Justin Watson.The NFL schedule doesn’t make things easy either Kansas City opens with the Chargers in Brazil and faces a tough stretch in September. Without Rice, every game suddenly feels more complicated for Andy Reid’s offense.For Rashee Rice, this will be the ultimate test. Does he learn from this and come back stronger, or does this setback derail a career that was just starting to take off?Also read - Travis Kelce’s Net Worth in 2025: NFL Salary, Endorsements, and Business Ventures