NFL Closes Investigation on Chiefs’ Lachie Rice
The NFL has wrapped up its investigation concerning Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Lachie Rice. According to a statement from the league, it found no evidence that Rice “engaged in any conduct that violated the Personal Conduct Guidelines.”
This inquiry also looked into claims made by Rice’s ex-girlfriend, Dakoda Jones, and the league announced that it has closed the case.
This decision indicates that the 25-year-old will face no disciplinary action from the NFL, as there was “insufficient evidence” to suggest that he breached the Personal Conduct Policy.
Rice’s attorney, Sean Lindsay, expressed gratitude for the thoroughness of the investigation, stating that Rice is looking forward to the upcoming 2026-27 NFL season.
The Chiefs have chosen not to comment on the league’s ruling made on Friday.
Earlier this year in January, Jones publicly shared images on social media showing bruises that seemed to result from domestic violence. Although her post didn’t directly name Rice or anyone else, she claimed the alleged abuser was the father of her children with Rice.
In a deleted Instagram post, Jones stated, “I’m tired of being silent. I’m tired of protecting his image. I’ve been through too much in 8 years and enough is enough!” They separated in 2025.
Jones later filed a lawsuit in Texas in February, claiming Rice assaulted her repeatedly over a year and a half beginning in 2023 and seeking over $1 million in damages. She also brought up an incident of alleged strangulation in December 2023.
The complaint detailed various forms of abuse, stating, “Mr. Rice grabbed Ms. Jones, choked her, pushed her, threw her, scratched her, punched her, headbutted her, and also hit her with an inanimate object.”
Lindsay pointed to Jones’ sworn statement, which he claims disputes the lawsuit’s allegations. On October 9, 2025, after their relationship had ended, Jones reportedly stated that “Mr. Rice and I had an argument, but he did not hit me,” under penalty of perjury.
In March 2024, Rice was involved in a car accident while driving a Lamborghini Urus at high speeds on a Dallas highway, leading to multiple injuries. According to reports, Rice and others fled the scene before police arrived.
Less than two weeks later, Rice publicly took responsibility for the incident and issued an apology. Following a warrant for his arrest, he turned himself in, resulting in a 30-day jail sentence and five years of probation.
He pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies related to the crash and racing, and while he received a deferred adjudication, the charges will be dismissed if he successfully completes his probation. The NFL previously found that Rice had violated its personal conduct policy in this matter, which led to a six-game suspension last season.
