Chiefs’ wide receiver Rashee Rice now knows his punishment as a result of the dual-felony charge of hit and run that resulted in multiple cars and injuries. Rice fled the scene on foot without checking on any of the injured victims. Rice had been traveling 119 MPH before the first collision, which set off a chain reaction affecting multiple vehicles.

Rice pleaded guilty in a Dallas courtroom, resulting in a five-year probation sentence, as well as spending 30 days in jail during that period. Multiple charges were dropped in the case in return for his guilty plea to two third-degree felony charges, which included collision resulting in serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing physical injury. In addition to any NFL game checks forfeited when disciplined by the league, Rice was also ordered to pay financial restitution to the victims for their medical bills—a pricetag of $115,481.91.

Rice would face up to 10 years behind bars should he violate his probation anytime during the five years.

Now, the NFL will have its say on what discipline will be levied on the wide receiver. Traditionally, such an infraction can result in four weeks (games) away from the team. It remains to be seen if the severity of leaving a possibly fatal scene will be taken into account. He could be suspended for as many as six games, subject to appeal. Practicing defense attorney Drew Davenport (@DrewDavenportFF) has said that it seems like the NFL will settle on four games one way or another. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the discipline will occur during the 2025 season.

For fantasy football, in redraft and best ball leagues, Rice’s ADP is still holding steady at 21, but it’s too soon to make assumptions as both Xavier Worthy and “Hollywood” Marquise Brown are, as well. When it comes time for Rice to serve his suspension, the two wideouts will be mainstays in fantasy lineups even more so than to start the season. The sleeper pick is Jalen Royals. During the pre-draft process, the Chiefs’ coaching staff was enamored with his ability to line up in the same way that Rice does. There will likely be a race to the waiver wire for his services. Should Rice serve his suspension to begin the campaign, Royals becomes a must-draft player, particularly as a Rice handcuff for managers.

Author: Sam Schneider (@BuyAndSellYou)