The NFL has closed its investigation into Rashee Rice and determined that the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver will not face discipline stemming from domestic violence allegations made earlier this year by his ex-girlfriend, Dacoda Jones.
In a statement released to TMZ, the league said Rice “has not engaged in conduct that violates the personal conduct policy,” bringing an end to a review that began in January after Jones publicly accused him of years of abuse.
Jones, who shares two children with Rice, first went public in January with an Instagram post that included photos of bruises, scratches, and damage inside a home.
Although she did not mention Rice by name, she described the alleged abuser as the father of her children and claimed she had “dealt with abuse for years.”
The post, which was later deleted, alleged that the abuse continued throughout their relationship and after their breakup. Jones claimed she had been physically assaulted, locked outside in freezing temperatures while pregnant, and left without support for herself and her children. She also accused her former partner of damaging property and controlling her movements.
A month later, Jones filed a civil lawsuit in Dallas County, Texas, seeking more than $1 million in damages. The suit accused Rice of a pattern of abuse between December 2023 and July 2025, including alleged incidents in Texas and Missouri. According to the filing, Jones suffered injuries including bruising, swelling, cuts, and pain affecting her neck, face, chest, arms, and legs.
Rice has not been criminally charged in connection with any of the allegations.
His attorney, Sean Lindsey, previously pushed back on the claims, arguing that Jones had signed an affidavit stating Rice did not strike her. According to Lindsey, Jones acknowledged under penalty of perjury that the two had a verbal argument but that Rice “did not punch her.”
After the decision, Lindsey said Rice is grateful for the outcome and “looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season.”
Rice had already served a six-game suspension during the 2025 season in connection with his role in a multicar crash in Dallas, a separate incident that resulted in felony charges and probation.
The NFL opened its review shortly after the allegations surfaced. At the time, the Kansas City Chiefs said only that it was aware of “allegations on social media” and was in communication with the league. The organization declined further comment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. In the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788.
