Kansas City Chiefs Acknowledge Alleged Abuse Claims Connected to Player the Athlete
The Kansas City Chiefs issued a statement on Wednesday evening indicating they have knowledge of claims of abuse made public in online accounts by a ex-partner of player the athlete and had been in contact with the league office.
The team did not mention Rice specifically in their statement and noted they would have “no further comment at this time”.
Claims Shared on Social Media
The woman, who also did not mention Rice directly, shared a series of photos on Instagram that appeared to show indicators of bodily harm. She stated the individual in question was the father of her children, and reports indicate she has kids with Rice, whom the team selected in the second round.
Police Reports Reportedly Unavailable
No official complaints were on file in the Kansas City suburb where the alleged abuse is said to have occurred.
Rice's Recent Off-Field Troubles
Rice missed the first six games of this season following an league-mandated ban for his involvement in causing a crash on a Texas roadway that left multiple people hurt. Rice was sentenced 30 days in jail and probationary supervision after entering a guilty plea to felony charges.
Statistically, Rice finished the year with 53 receptions for 571 receiving yards and five TDs as the Kansas City finished 6-11 and failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time in a ten-year span.
