Kansas City Chiefs State They Are Aware of Alleged Abuse Claims Involving Wide Receiver the Athlete

The NFL franchise released a comment on Wednesday evening confirming they are aware of claims of abuse circulated in online accounts by a ex-partner of wide receiver Rashee Rice and had been in contact with the league office.

The team omitted the name of the player by name in their announcement and stated they would have “no further comment at this time”.

Allegations Shared on Social Media

Dacoda Nichole Jones, who also did not mention the athlete directly, shared a series of photos on social media that seemed to depict signs of physical abuse. Jones stated the individual in question was the father of her children, and reports indicate she has kids with the football player, whom the team selected in the second round.

Official Complaints Currently Unavailable

No police reports were available in Overland Park, Kansas where the alleged abuse is said to have taken place.

Rice's Prior Legal Issues

Rice was absent for the initial part of this NFL campaign due to an NFL suspension for his role in instigating a multi-vehicle accident on a Dallas highway that left multiple people hurt. He was sentenced 30 days in jail and five years’ probation after entering a guilty plea to serious offenses.

On the field, Rice finished the season with 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns as the Chiefs went with a losing record and missed the playoffs for the first time in a ten-year span.