It’s been months since Rashee Rice’s offseason veered off course in a blur of blue lights and headlines. The crash—clocked at 119 mph in a Lamborghini—wasn’t just reckless, it was devastating, injuring multiple people. And the legal blowback was immediate. Civil suits followed, with one seeking $10 million for brain trauma and other gruesome injuries, while another claimed over $1 million. This wasn’t just a bad look for the Chiefs; it was a full-blown legal storm.

Then came the criminal charges. Eight felony counts, including aggravated as–ult and collision involving serious bodily injury. The NFL held back, waiting for the court to make its decision. Meanwhile, Rice kept practicing, the team stayed silent, and fans wondered if he’d even suit up in 2025. With lawsuits dragging into next year and no clear end in sight, the Chiefs faced uncertainty. And now? The court has just handed down its sentence.

On Thursday, Rice pleaded guilty to charges from last year’s crash and might face a suspension. Dallas County judge just sentenced Rice to five years of probation and 30 days of jail time, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Thursday. “ESPN sources: A Dallas County judge just sentenced Chiefs WR Rashee Rice to five years probation and 30 days of jail time that can be served during those five years stemming for his role in a multi-car crash in Dallas during the 2024 offseason,” Schefter reported.

The NFL is expected to act swiftly now that a judge has issued Rice’s sentence. It’s five years of probation and 30 days in jail. According to NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the league “can expedite its disciplinary process,” with a 2-4 game suspension likely. “Rice is likely to receive a multi-game suspension,” Jones added, signaling that the wide receiver may be eligible to practice during camp but miss the season’s opening stretch.

Rice tore his right ACL in Week 4 of the 2024 season and missed the rest of the year. Before that, the second-round pick posted 79 receptions for 938 yards and 7 touchdowns as a rookie. The Chiefs expected him back for Week 1 of 2025. Now, that return is getting fogged by discipline (or lack thereof…). “The suspension would likely begin at the start of the NFL season,” Jones reported, leaving Rice’s availability—and momentum—in limbo.

Rashee Rice’s civil lawsuits can interrupt his 2025 season

Head coach Andy Reid was optimistic about Rashee Rice’s return ahead of the 2025 season, as he was returning from a torn ACL. “They’re both ready to go, yeah,” he said, addressing the third-year wideout and offensive tackle Josh Simmons. “They actually got great work in in these camps here.” However, Rice’s 2025 season is currently hanging by a thin thread. For starters, the NFL will suspend him for the starting few games. To make it worse, his civil lawsuits are still pending.

Right after the May 2024 crash, Rice found himself embroiled in multiple civil lawsuits. The catch? Rice’s attorney, Royce West, isn’t just a lawyer—he’s also a sitting Texas State Senator. And under Texas Law, that dual role carries legal weight. Elected officials like West can invoke a legislative continuance, which legally halts court proceedings while the legislature is in session. West exercised that right, effectively freezing all legal motions tied to Rice’s case until weeks after the session officially adjourns.

Fast forward, and now that the session ends. So, one of Rice’s civil suits is “set for Jury trial on the trial docket,” for January 20, next year. And since then, skepticism around Rice’s 2025 season started swirling. Why? Well, the AFC Championship round will be on January 25, while Rice has to appear for a court hearing on January 20. If the Chiefs manage to qualify for the conference championship round, either Rice will miss out on the game, or it might push the civil trial to a later date.

All things considered, we can expect the league to suspend Rashee Rice for the early part of the 2025 season. But it’s the looming civil lawsuit that could ultimately determine his availability down the stretch. Especially if the Chiefs find themselves in the playoff hunt.