Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has come under fire for his alleged involvement in a car crash in Dallas, with former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson expressing his disappointment and anger over the situation. The incident, which left four people injured, has raised questions about Rice's judgment and responsibility as a professional athlete.
Speaking on Fox Sports' "Undisputed," Johnson revealed that he had worked with Rice before the former SMU standout was drafted and had emphasized the importance of staying out of trouble. "First of all, this is unfortunate for Rashee because I know him and he's old enough to know better. So, I'm p---ed at him," Johnson said. "I've already texted him. He's not gonna respond to me because my text was not nice."
Johnson's frustration stems from the fact that he had spent considerable time with Rice during the draft process, helping him understand the challenges and responsibilities that come with being an NFL player. "Coming out into the draft, he had a little red flag here, little red flag there. He wasn't the squeakiest, cleanest guy going, which is probably why he fell to the second round instead of the late first," Johnson explained.
The former NFL star also pointed to the tragic case of Henry Ruggs, the former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver who was sentenced to 3-10 years in prison for a deadly drunken crash in 2021. Johnson had tried to impart similar wisdom to Ruggs, emphasizing the need for caution and responsibility in the face of newfound fame and fortune.
While Johnson acknowledged that he didn't know if Rice was driving the Lamborghini involved in the crash, he expressed hope that someone had stolen the vehicle. "But if he's involved in it, it's the stupidest thing that he could ever be involved in. Let alone driving fast cars, and racing somebody is the stupidest thing ever, man," he added.
The incident has also drawn attention to dashcam video footage that may shed light on who was driving the Lamborghini leased by Rice. The video appears to show the Lamborghini racing a Corvette before spinning out of control and colliding with other vehicles. Upon close examination, it seems that two men emerge from the front seat on the passenger side, with one of them bearing a resemblance to Rice based on photos posted by TMZ.com.
If confirmed, Rice's presence in the driver's seat could have significant legal implications, as leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries carries far more severe penalties than simply being a passenger. The fact that the lease agreement for the Lamborghini specifies that only Rice could drive the vehicle further complicates matters.
State Sen. Royce West, an attorney for Rice, has stated that his client is cooperating with authorities and will take all necessary steps to address the situation responsibly. However, the incident has already cast a shadow over Rice's budding NFL career and raised concerns about his judgment and maturity.
As the investigation continues, the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL will be closely monitoring developments. The league has a history of imposing disciplinary measures on players who engage in reckless or illegal behavior, and Rice may face consequences both on and off the field if his involvement in the crash is confirmed.
For now, Rashee Rice finds himself at the center of a controversy that threatens to overshadow his on-field accomplishments. As Keyshawn Johnson's stern rebuke suggests, the young wide receiver has much to learn about the responsibilities and expectations that come with being a professional athlete in the NFL. How he responds to this setback will likely define the trajectory of his career and his reputation in the eyes of fans, teammates, and the league as a whole.
