Kansas City Chiefs’ Rashee Rice Accused of Domestic Violence by Ex-Girlfriend in Lawsuit as Legal Storm Deepens

A serious legal shadow has fallen over the Kansas City Chiefs, as wide receiver Rashee Rice has been accused of domestic violence in a newly filed civil lawsuit — allegations that arrive weeks after his ex-girlfriend publicly claimed she was a victim of abuse.

The lawsuit, filed in Dallas County District Court on Monday, February 16, was brought by Rice’s former partner, Dacoda Jones, and alleges a pattern of physical violence over the course of their relationship.

Rice, 25, strongly denies the accusations. His legal team says the matter should be allowed to proceed through the courts.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

According to court documents reviewed by PEOPLE, Jones claims she was physically assaulted by Rice at multiple residences between December 2023 and July 2025, including properties in Victory Park, Texas, and Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

The petition lists several dates throughout 2024, alleging repeated incidents that Jones says resulted in “severe and permanent injuries.” The filing describes what it calls an escalation of violent behavior over time, claiming the alleged incidents continued even after earlier disputes.

Critically, the lawsuit states that some of the alleged incidents occurred while Jones was pregnant, a detail that has drawn heightened attention to the case.

Jones is seeking at least $1 million in damages, citing physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term impairment.

The Social Media Claims That Came First

The lawsuit follows a wave of concern earlier this year when Jones posted — and later deleted — images on Instagram showing bruising and damage to her home. At the time, she said she was a victim of domestic violence but did not publicly identify her alleged abuser.

In response, the Chiefs released a brief statement acknowledging awareness of the allegations and confirming they were in communication with the National Football League. Rice was not named in that statement.

An NFL spokesperson later told ESPN that the matter remains under review.

Rice’s Legal Team Pushes Back

Rice’s attorney, Sean Lindsey, issued a firm response, pointing to a sworn affidavit signed by Jones in October 2025, months after the relationship ended.

“Ms. Jones stated under penalty of perjury that Mr. Rice and I had a verbal argument, but he did not punch me,” Lindsey said.
“We will allow the legal process to run its course and have no further comment at this time.”

As of publication, no criminal charges have been announced, and the lawsuit remains a civil matter.

A Complicated Legal Past

This is not the first time Rice has faced legal scrutiny. In 2025, he was suspended for the first five games of the NFL season after pleading guilty to two third-degree felonies connected to a March 2024 multi-vehicle crash in Dallas.

He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation, a case that already placed his future under a microscope before the latest allegations surfaced.

What Happens Next

Rice was officially served with notice of the lawsuit on February 18, according to court records. The Chiefs and the NFL have not issued further statements beyond confirming awareness of the case.

As the legal process unfolds, the situation places the Chiefs in an uncomfortable spotlight — balancing due process, league protocols, and the seriousness of the claims now attached to one of their most prominent young players.

For now, the accusations remain allegations, strongly denied by Rice, with the outcome to be determined in court.

⚠️ If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.
In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

👇 More updates as this story develops