Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is facing a civil lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, Dacoda Jones, alleging a pattern of physical abuse spanning from December 2023 to July 2025. The lawsuit, filed Monday in Dallas County, Texas, details multiple alleged assaults and seeks damages exceeding $1 million. This legal action adds another layer of scrutiny for Rice, who recently completed a six-game suspension stemming from an off-field incident and is still navigating the fallout from a high-speed crash last year.
Jones claims in the lawsuit that Rice engaged in a series of violent acts, including strangulation, hitting, and throwing objects, both in their shared homes in Victory Park, Texas, and Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The allegations include instances where Jones was pregnant during the alleged assaults, adding a particularly disturbing element to the claims. The lawsuit alleges a sustained pattern of abusive behavior, extending beyond isolated incidents.
According to the court filing, Rice allegedly strangled Jones in December 2023 following an “escalation in violent behavior.” The lawsuit further details instances where Rice “grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit and headbutted Ms. Jones, as well as hit her with inanimate objects.” Jones is also claiming physical pain and mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, previous and future medical care, and loss of earnings as part of the damages sought.
The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement acknowledging awareness of the lawsuit, stating the team “remains in communication with the National Football League.” The NFL also confirmed it is reviewing the matter.
Instagram Posts Detail Allegations
Prior to filing the lawsuit, Jones publicly accused Rice of domestic violence in a series of posts on her Instagram account last month, which have since been deleted. In those posts, she described years of alleged abuse and expressed frustration with Rice’s behavior following their breakup. She wrote about feeling compelled to protect his image for too long and a desire to prioritize her own well-being and the safety of their children.
Recent Legal Issues for Rice
This lawsuit comes less than a year after Rice faced significant legal consequences for his involvement in a high-speed crash in Dallas during the 2024 offseason. Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges – collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury – and was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail. He was also ordered to pay over $115,000 in restitution to the victims of the crash.
The crash, which involved six vehicles, led to a six-game suspension at the start of the 2025 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Rice served the suspension and continued to play for the Chiefs.
Attorneys for Rice have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the new civil lawsuit. One of Jones’s attorneys declined to comment when contacted by ESPN. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months, and the NFL will likely continue its review of the situation as more information becomes available.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Rice’s career and future with the Chiefs. The NFL has a strict personal conduct policy, and further legal issues could lead to additional disciplinary action. As the legal process unfolds, the focus will be on gathering evidence and determining the facts surrounding the allegations made in the lawsuit.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources are available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at thehotline.org.
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