Kansas City Chiefs Receiver Rashee Rice Sued for Over $1 Million Amid Domestic Violence Allegations
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is facing a significant new legal battle that threatens to jeopardize his NFL career and personal freedom. A civil lawsuit filed Monday in Dallas County District Court alleges a pattern of domestic violence against the mother of his children, Dacoda Jones. The complaint details incidents of physical abuse spanning nearly two years, including allegations of strangulation and assault during pregnancy.
This legal development comes at a precarious time for Rice, who has already faced disciplinary action from the NFL regarding previous off-field conduct. The filing paints a disturbing picture of the receiver’s private life and raises serious questions about his future with the Chiefs and his standing within the league.
Details of the abuse allegations in Dallas County
The lawsuit, filed by Jones, seeks more than $1 million in damages. According to court records obtained by local outlets, the plaintiff describes a timeline of abuse that began in December 2023 and continued through July 2025. The incidents allegedly occurred at shared residences in Victory Park, Texas, and Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
The complaint offers graphic descriptions of the alleged violence. It said that Rice “grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted” Jones. The filing further alleges that Rice struck her with inanimate objects. Beyond physical assaults on her person, the lawsuit outlines a volatile environment where Rice allegedly engaged in destructive behaviors such as punching walls, breaking furniture, and throwing objects.
One of the most concerning aspects of the filing is the allegation that many of these violent behaviors occurred while Jones was pregnant. The plaintiff also claims she was locked out of their home in the middle of the night. Jones lists specific dates in 2024 where she reportedly suffered permanent or severe harm. The lawsuit documents injuries to her face, neck, chest, arms, legs and mouth.
Social media posts foreshadowed legal action
While the lawsuit was filed this week, the allegations first entered the public sphere roughly a month prior. In January, Jones posted a series of photographs and statements on Instagram that alluded to domestic violence. While she did not explicitly name Rice at the time, she identified the aggressor as the father of her two children. Rice and Jones share two children.
The social media posts, which have since been removed, showed images consistent with physical abuse. At the time those posts surfaced, the Kansas City Chiefs organization acknowledged they were aware of the situation and were in communication with the league office. Following the filing of the formal lawsuit on Monday, the franchise has not issued a new comment. Rice was served with the lawsuit via email on Tuesday, and a dismissal hearing has been scheduled for May 4 in Dallas County.
Probation violation and career implications
This lawsuit introduces a complex layer of legal jeopardy for Rice due to his previous criminal history. Rice is currently serving a five-year probation sentence stemming from a high-speed hit-and-run incident in Dallas in March 2024. In that case, Rice was driving a Lamborghini at speeds reaching 119 mph while racing a Corvette. The resulting crash involved six vehicles and left multiple people injured. Rice fled the scene but later pleaded guilty to felony charges, including collision involving serious bodily injury.
The timing of the alleged abuse is critical. The civil complaint asserts that the violence continued through July 2025. If accurate, this timeline suggests that Rice may have engaged in violent conduct after his probation period commenced in July. Legal experts note that if evidence surfaces proving Rice violated the terms of his probation, he could face revocation of that probation and potential jail time.
Furthermore, Rice has already served a six-game suspension to begin the 2025 NFL season due to the street-racing conviction. The NFL Personal Conduct Policy empowers the league to impose enhanced discipline for repeat offenders. The league previously opened a review based on the initial Instagram allegations. With a formal civil complaint now on record detailing specific instances of violence, the NFL is expected to expand its investigation.
Uncertain future for the Chiefs receiver
The accumulation of legal issues presents a daunting path forward for the 25-year-old receiver. While Rice has been a productive player on the field, the nature of these allegations places him in a different category of scrutiny. Domestic violence, particularly allegations involving strangulation, typically triggers a significant suspension under the league’s baseline disciplinary standards.
The Chiefs and the NFL must now weigh the details of the civil suit against the player’s status. Rice faces financial peril not only from the $1 million sought by Jones but also from outstanding civil litigation regarding the 2024 car crash. While one lawsuit from that crash was reportedly settled, others remain pending.
As the legal process unfolds in Dallas, Rice’s ability to remain on the field remains in question. The league will conduct its own independent investigation, which does not require a criminal conviction to result in suspension. For now, Rice prepares for a dismissal hearing in May, with his career hanging in the balance.
