Rashee Rice Sentenced to Jail After Dallas High-Speed Crash

NFL wide receiver Rashee Rice will serve jail time after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a high-speed hit-and-run crash that injured multiple people on a Dallas highway earlier this year.

The 25-year-old athlete admitted guilt to two third-degree felony charges: collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of his plea agreement, Rice received five years of deferred probation and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. His attorney confirmed that several other charges, including aggravated assault and multiple counts of collision involving injury, were dismissed.

The crash occurred on March 30, 2024, during rush hour on Central Expressway in Dallas. Prosecutors stated that Rice, driving a 2020 Lamborghini Urus, reached speeds of 119 mph just seconds before initiating a collision that affected multiple vehicles. They described his actions as “aggressive maneuvers” and said his attempt at evasive action triggered a chain reaction crash.

Following the accident, authorities reported that Rice fled the scene on foot, failing to assist or check on the injured. Two people were treated at the scene, while two others were transported to a local hospital with injuries.

In addition to jail time, Rice has been ordered to pay $115,481.91 in restitution to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses for the victims. His attorney, Texas State Senator Royce West, said the incident had a profound effect on Rice, stating that it “scared him straight.” If Rice violates his probation, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

In a statement issued through his attorney, Rice expressed remorse for the crash, acknowledging sleepless nights and vowing to make full amends to those affected. “I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart,” he said. “I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families.”

It remains unclear exactly when Rice will serve his jail sentence, but his legal team is working with officials to coordinate the time around his NFL schedule. He is expected to serve the sentence in Dallas County Jail.

Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot commended Rice for taking responsibility and using his platform to warn others about the dangers of reckless driving. “A vehicle in the wrong hands can be as dangerous as any weapon,” Creuzot said, emphasizing how fortunate it was that no lives were lost.

Authorities initially charged Rice and another driver, 21-year-old Theodore Knox, after dashcam footage captured both individuals speeding in a Lamborghini SUV and Corvette before fleeing the crash site. Witnesses and police confirmed the occupants left the scene without offering aid or providing identification. Charges included aggravated assault and multiple counts of injury-related collisions.

Five days after the crash, Senator West confirmed Rice had admitted to driving one of the high-end vehicles. Rice, who grew up in North Richland Hills and played college football at SMU, was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023.

Rice faces at least two civil lawsuits related to the crash. The proceedings have been delayed due to legislative scheduling, and further delays are possible after a special session was called by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

Rice suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season but is expected to fully recover and report to Chiefs training camp on July 21. While the NFL has not yet announced disciplinary actions, Rice is likely to face a multi-game suspension under the league’s conduct policy.