Chiefs Acknowledge New Domestic Violence Allegations Against Rashee Rice: What We Know
The Kansas City Chiefs found themselves back in the spotlight for off-field turmoil this week. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the organization released a formal statement acknowledging they are aware of serious domestic violence allegations involving star wide receiver Rashee Rice.
The allegations, which surfaced via social media, come at a precarious time for the 25-year-old receiver, who has spent much of the last two years navigating legal battles and league discipline.
The Allegations: Graphic Photos and Claims of Long-Term Abuse
The situation unfolded Wednesday afternoon when Dacoda Nichole Jones, Rice’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of his two children, posted a series of disturbing images and captions to her Instagram account.
The carousel of photos reportedly showcased:
- Visible physical injuries: Deep bruising, gashes, and wounds on various parts of her body.
- Property damage: Images appearing to show a hole in a wall and a broken-down door.
- A “years-long” struggle: Jones alleged that she has endured abuse for eight years, stating she was “tired of protecting his image.”
While Jones did not explicitly name Rice in the text of the post, she identified the abuser as the father of her children. Jones and Rice share two children together. She further alleged that since their breakup several months ago, Rice has withheld financial support and attempted to remove her and the children from their home.
The Chiefs and NFL Respond
By Wednesday night, the Kansas City Chiefs issued a brief, measured statement:
“The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League. We have no further comment at this time.”
The NFL has historically taken a proactive stance on domestic violence allegations under its Personal Conduct Policy. Even in the absence of formal criminal charges, the league has the authority to conduct its own independent investigation. If the league finds credible evidence of a violation, Rice could face a baseline suspension of six games—or significantly more, given his status as a “repeat offender” of league policies.
A Pattern of Legal Trouble
These new allegations add to a mounting list of legal and disciplinary issues for the talented wide receiver.
- The March 2024 Dallas Crash: Rice was the driver of a Lamborghini Urus traveling at 119 mph that caused a six-vehicle pileup on a Dallas highway. Rice and his associates fled the scene on foot without checking on the injured victims.
- Felony Charges & Sentencing: In July 2025, Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation. Under the terms of his deferred adjudication, the charges will only be dismissed if he successfully completes his probation.
- NFL Suspension: Following his sentencing, the NFL suspended Rice for the first six games of the 2025 season. He returned to the field in October 2025, recording 53 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns over the remainder of the season.
What’s Next for Rashee Rice?
As of Thursday morning, January 8, 2026, no formal police reports have been filed in Overland Park, Kansas, or Dallas—the two locations where Jones alleged the abuse took place. However, the lack of a police report does not preclude an NFL investigation.
Sources close to Rice have reportedly pushed back against the claims, characterizing Jones as a “disgruntled” former partner. However, the graphic nature of the photos shared has sparked intense scrutiny from fans and league officials alike.
For the Chiefs, who recently missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade with a 6-11 record, this is a massive distraction heading into an already uncertain offseason. If Rice is found to have violated his probation or the league’s conduct policy again, his career in Kansas City—and the NFL—could be in serious jeopardy.
