Chiefs’ Rashee Rice Hit With $1M Suit For Strangling Pregnant Ex Over 20 Months—’I’ve Had Enough’

In January, Dacoda Jones posted on Instagram that she would soon delete: “I’m so tired of keeping quiet. I’m so tired of protecting his image. I’ve been through too much in a span of 8 years and I’ve had ENOUGH!” CBS Sports reported this on February 17. Days later, she filed a civil lawsuit in Dallas County District Court against Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice, the father of her two children, seeking over $1 million in damages. Allegations include repeated abuse while pregnant. The lawsuit signals a serious turn in Rice’s public life.

Claims of Abuse Over 18 Months

Jones’s complaint, filed February 16 in Dallas County District Court, alleges Rice abused her from December 2023 through July 2025. Court documents state Rice allegedly “grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, threw, scratched, hit, and headbutted Jones, as well as struck her with inanimate objects,” many times while she was pregnant, according to Sportsnet Canada. Injuries included bleeding, swelling, and bruising on face, neck, arms, chest, and legs. Homes in Victory Park, Dallas, and Lee’s Summit, Missouri, were cited. No criminal charges have been filed, but the allegations are severe.

“He Did Not Punch Me”

Rice’s attorney, Sean Lindsey, said: “On October 9th, 2025, well after the parties’ relationship had ended, Ms. Jones stated under penalty of perjury in a sworn Affidavit for Non-Prosecution that ‘Mr. Rice and I had a verbal argument, but he did not punch me.’ We will allow the legal process to run its course and have no further comment at this time.” The affidavit addressed only punching. Alleged strangulation, headbutting, and property damage across 18 months were not mentioned, raising questions about the legal context of prior statements.

Claims of Economic Control

Jones’s January Instagram post described alleged financial entrapment along with abuse. “He literally left us in Kansas and I had to beg him to send money so that I could drive to Texas with my kids and all our stuff,” CBS Sports reported February 17. Photos show a bruised lip, scratches, and property damage. The $1 million lawsuit seeks damages for pain, mental anguish, medical care, disfigurement, and punitive damages. Rice’s $6.5 million rookie contract increases financial exposure. Allegations suggest abuse intertwined with economic control, creating a high-stakes legal and personal battle.

A High-Speed Crash in Dallas

On March 30, 2024, Rice drove a Lamborghini at 119 mph on a Dallas highway, lost control, struck a median wall, and caused a six-vehicle collision, KERA News reported July 2025. He fled the scene. In July, he pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies: collision causing serious bodily injury and racing causing injury, NBC Sports confirmed February 18. Rice received 30 days in jail, five years probation, and $115,000 restitution. Alleged abuse occurred during this period, overlapping months of legal and personal difficulties, adding complexity to Rice’s ongoing domestic and criminal exposures.

NFL Suspends Rice Six Games

The NFL suspended Rice six games last season for violating the Personal Conduct Policy related to the crash, NBC Sports reported. He returned for eight games, recording 53 receptions, 571 yards, and five touchdowns before a season-ending concussion sustained in mid-December. He was placed on injured reserve December 24. The league now reviews the domestic violence allegations. “The matter remains under review,” the NFL stated February 18. As a repeat offender, Rice could face a suspension matching or exceeding six games. Some analysts noted an indefinite ban is possible. The Chiefs have offered only a brief acknowledgment of the ongoing investigation.

Chiefs Speak on Lawsuit

“The club is aware and remains in communication with the National Football League,” the Kansas City Chiefs said, as reported by ESPN on February 18. No independent discipline has been announced. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes trained with Rice and told reporters: “Expectations are high. I mean, he looks really good, he’s running routes, he’s catching the football,” Sports Illustrated reported during the 2025 offseason. Travis Kelce publicly supported Rice with a “Free 4” shirt during his September suspension. That endorsement now carries weight as the domestic violence lawsuit unfolds, putting the franchise’s biggest stars in an uncomfortable position before the public and media.

Rookie Records Now Overshadowed

Rice’s NFL career began with record-breaking numbers. In 2023, he set a Chiefs rookie record with 79 receptions, 938 yards, and seven touchdowns. During Super Bowl LVIII playoffs, he caught 26 passes, breaking Ja’Marr Chase’s rookie postseason record. Rice said, “There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused,” referring to his crash. Alleged abuse occurred concurrently with his championship season. He enters the final year of his rookie contract facing career uncertainty and mounting legal pressures that threaten both reputation and future opportunities.

Legal and Financial Pressure Mounts

Rice faces multiple legal and financial challenges. The domestic violence lawsuit seeks over $1 million. A prior $1.1 million crash settlement remained unpaid as of September, CBS News Texas reported. Restitution obligations exceed $115,000. His four-year rookie contract totals $6.5 million. Liability in both cases could exceed $2 million, roughly a third of his career earnings before age 26. Probation adds risk: abuse allegations during that period could trigger jail time. Every legal front converges simultaneously, creating immediate pressure on Rice’s finances, public image, and career prospects, with long-term consequences possible.

Future Consequences for Rice

Rice now faces an NFL investigation, a $1 million civil suit alleging 18 months of abuse, five years probation from the crash, and outstanding settlement obligations. No criminal charges exist for domestic allegations. Jones’s lawsuit does not require criminal conviction to proceed. “I’m so tired of keeping quiet. I’m so tired of protecting his image,” she wrote January. The outcome of these cases will determine accountability. Legal and league actions are expected to continue. Rice’s public and professional standing is under scrutiny, and the consequences of these allegations will shape the remainder of his career.

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Sources:
Rashee Rice accused of domestic violence by ex-girlfriend. CBS Sports, Feb. 17, 2026.
Civil lawsuit filed vs. Chiefs’ Rashee Rice alleges assaults. ESPN, Feb. 18, 2026.
New lawsuit makes domestic violence allegations against Rashee Rice. NBC Sports, Feb. 18, 2026.
Rashee Rice’s ex denied he punched her but later filed $1 million lawsuit. Times of India, Feb. 19, 2026.
Chiefs’ Rashee Rice sued by longtime partner for abuse, including while she was pregnant. KERA News, Feb. 18, 2026.
Rashee Rice sued more than $1 million by ex-girlfriend over abuse. Yahoo Sports, Feb. 18, 2026.