Kansas City Chiefs Acknowledge Alleged Abuse Claims Connected to Wide Receiver the Athlete

The Kansas City Chiefs released a comment Wednesday night confirming they are aware of domestic violence allegations circulated in social media posts by a ex-partner of player the athlete and were in communication with the league office.

The team omitted the name of Rice specifically in their announcement and noted they would have “no further comment at this time”.

Claims Posted on Instagram

Dacoda Nichole Jones, who also did not mention Rice directly, posted a series of photos on social media that appeared to show indicators of bodily harm. Jones stated the person involved was the parent of her kids, and reports indicate she has kids with Rice, whom the Chiefs selected in the 2023 draft.

Police Reports Currently Unavailable

No police reports were on file in the Kansas City suburb where the alleged abuse is said to have taken place.

Rice's Prior Off-Field Troubles

The receiver missed the first six games of this season following an NFL suspension for his involvement in instigating a multi-vehicle accident on a Dallas highway that resulted in multiple people hurt. Rice was given 30 days in jail and five years’ probation after pleading guilty to serious offenses.

Statistically, he finished the year with 53 receptions for 571 receiving yards and five touchdowns as the Kansas City went 6-11 and failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time in a decade.