Former SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice spoke to reporters over the weekend for the first time since a series of off-the-field events cast a shadow over the NFL player’s offseason.
While at a youth football camp Saturday in Kansas City alongside Chiefs teammates — including former Texas wideout Xavier Worthy — the former Richland star said he hopes to grow from the experience of the past few months.
“I’ve learned so much from that,” Rice said, via ESPN. “All I can do is mature and continue to grow from that. This is a step in a better direction for me.”
Rice turned himself into authorities and was booked into a DeSoto jail in April, more than a week after he was involved in a high-speed, multi-vehicle collision on a Dallas highway.
Additionally, he was involved in an alleged incident with a photographer, also in Dallas, last month. However, no charges against Rice are being pursued.
“Accidents and stuff like that happen, but all you can do is move forward and walk around being the same person, try to be positive so that everybody can feel your love and your great energy,” Rice said.
It’s still unknown whether Rice will face discipline from the NFL, but he has been participating in offseason workouts with the Chiefs. Commissioner Roger Goodell commented on the situation before the 2024 NFL draft, saying the league will let the legal process move forward before making any decisions.
Rice was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2023 draft. He was one of the league’s most productive rookie receivers, catching 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns.
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