Lawsuit alleges wide receiver Rashee Rice physically assaulted ex-girlfriend

DALLAS — Allegations of domestic violence have surfaced against Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice, with his former girlfriend, Dacoda Jones, filing a lawsuit in Dallas County this week. The lawsuit claims that Rice physically assaulted Jones multiple times over a span of a year-and-a half, resulting in injuries such as bleeding and bruising.

Jones, who had previously raised domestic violence allegations in social media posts, is seeking over $1 million in damages in the lawsuit. The incidents of assault, as detailed in the lawsuit, allegedly took place at their residences in Dallas and suburban Kansas City. The most severe assault mentioned in the lawsuit occurred in December 2023 when Rice reportedly strangled Jones.

According to the lawsuit, Rice engaged in a pattern of abusive behavior towards Jones, including choking, pushing, throwing objects, hitting, and headbutting her. These acts of violence allegedly continued throughout their relationship, even when Jones was pregnant with their two children. The lawsuit further states that Rice caused significant physical harm to Jones, resulting in injuries such as swelling, bruising, and bleeding.

Representatives for Rice have not responded to requests for comment on the allegations. The Kansas City Chiefs have acknowledged the lawsuit and are cooperating with the NFL, which is currently reviewing the matter.

Rice’s off-field conduct has previously come under scrutiny, as he was suspended by the NFL for six games last season due to his involvement in a high-speed crash in Dallas that resulted in multiple injuries. He was subsequently sentenced to jail time and probation after pleading guilty to felony charges related to the incident. Despite these off-field distractions, Rice managed to put up respectable numbers on the field last season.

The allegations against Rice underscore the ongoing issue of domestic violence in professional sports and serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing such behavior both on and off the field.

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AP Pro Football Writer Schuyler Dixon contributed to this report.

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