Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is facing domestic abuse allegations from a former girlfriend, leading to some criticism of Travis Kelce and other teammates who vocally supported the wide receiver during his suspension this season.
Rice had been suspended for six games this season after pleading guilty to a host of charges related to a street racing incident that led to a crash. Kelce joined other teammates in wearing t-shirts in support of Rice, which sparked controversy at the time and has come under even more scrutiny amid the latest allegations against Rice.
Travis Kelce Stood By Rashee Rice Amid Controversy
While Rice was serving out his suspension to start the year, Kelce showed his support by wearing a shirt with Rice’s image and the words “Free 4,” a reference to his jersey number. It sparked strong pushback at the time, with the attorney for one of the people injured in Rice’s crash taking direct aim at Kelce.
Marc Lenahan, the lawyer of Kathryn Kuykendall, made a statement to TMZ that referenced Taylor Swift’s engagement announcement which referred to herself and Kelce as school teachers.
“I respect that Kelce and Thornton support their teammate, but the ‘gym teacher’ needs to talk with the history teacher,” Lenahan said.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid backed his players at the time, saying they just wanted to show their support of Rice.
“I would tell you I know these guys love Rashee, and they feel for him sitting out here and I think it’s no more than that,” Reid said, via People magazine. “I just think that those guys, they love the kid and want him to feel part of it in their own way. I really don’t think it’s anything more than that.”
Many fans revisited the controversy amid the new allegations against Rice, with many sharing images of Kelce wearing it on the field during warm-ups.
“Still ‘Free 4’?” one fan wrote in a post on X.
“[Travis] kelce was legit wearing a free rashee rice shirt when he got suspended going over 100 mph in a car crash,” another wrote.
Rashee Rice Facing Serious Allegations
Dacoda Jones, the mother of Rice’s two children, took to Instagram to level accusations against him. She included several images of scratches and bruises on her face and body.
Though Jones did not mention Rice by name, she mentioned several instances of abuse from a former partner, including some while she was pregnant.
“I’m so tired of keeping quiet I’m so tired of protecting his image. I’ve been through enough in the span of 8 years and I’ve had ENOUGH! I’ve dealt with abuse for years, me and this man decided to break up a couple months ago and it’s been nothing but hell,” Jones wrote.
Rice showed flashes of brilliant play in his rookie season in 2023, making 79 receptions for 938 yards with seven touchdowns. He was limited to just four games in 2024 due to injury, returning this season to make 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns in eight games.
Rice could face more league punishment for the latest allegations, as the NFL has wide latitude to punish players who face domestic abuse violations, even if they don’t result in criminal charges.
Kelce has not spoken about the latest allegations, and has said he is evaluating whether he wants to retire or return for another NFL season. His contract with the Chiefs is up at the end of this year.
Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Under Fire for ‘Free’ Rashee Rice Statement Amid Suspension