Who is Rashee Rice? NFL star accused of assaulting pregnant girlfriend in a civil lawsuit

Kansas City Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice is being sued by his former girlfriend, Dacoda Jones, who claims he physically abused her multiple times while she was pregnant. Jones filed the civil lawsuit on Monday, alleging that Rice assaulted her repeatedly over an 18-month period from 2023 to 2025. She is seeking more than $1 million in damages, citing “severe and permanent injuries” resulting from the alleged attacks. The lawsuit, reported by AFP, claims that Rice subjected Jones to a variety of violent acts, including grabbing, choking, strangling, pushing, throwing, scratching, hitting, headbutting, and striking her with objects.

"Additionally, he has engaged in other violent and abusive behaviors toward Ms. Jones, including throwing objects, destroying property, punching walls, breaking furniture, and locking her out in the middle of the night," the lawsuit states.

"Many of these behaviors occurred while Ms. Jones was pregnant."


Jones and 25-year-old Rice, a skilled receiver who won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs at the end of his rookie season in 2024, share two children. In 2025, Rice missed six games due to a suspension following his 2024 conviction for a multi-vehicle crash. He pleaded guilty to felony charges of causing a collision resulting in serious bodily injury and racing on a highway that led to bodily harm. After serving his suspension, Rice recorded 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns over eight games last season. The former second-round pick is now entering the final year of his rookie deal with the Chiefs.

Previously, Jones shared Instagram photos showing a bloodied lip, scratches, and bruises, though she did not identify her alleged attacker before the post was deleted.

Rice’s attorney, Sean Lindsey, told ESPN on Wednesday, as quoted by AFP, that Jones had previously given a sworn statement asserting that Rice had not physically harmed her.

"We will allow the legal process to run its course and have no further comment at this time," Lindsey said.

"The club is aware [of the lawsuit] and remains in communication with the National Football League," the Chiefs said in a statement, as quoted by The Guardian on Wednesday.