Kansas City Chiefs star Rashee Rice admitted serving 30 days in jail was a learning experience and a reality check as he turned his attention back to football with his legal troubles behind him. Rice was booked into Dallas County jail on May 19 after violating terms of his probation related to a high-speed car crash that injured multiple people. He pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges over the incident.
Rice underwent surgery to clean up debris in his right knee a week before serving his sentence. Speaking about his ordeal behind bars for the first time, Rice revealed that focusing on his injury rehabilitation, watching Kevin Hart, and keeping in contact with the Chiefs helped him remain upbeat.
"A learning experience. A reality check, and don't focus on the past, focus on what's going on right now," Rice said. "It was tough. It was mentally tough. They gave me ways to communicate with my teammates still, as well as my athletic trainer."
"So besides the hard times in there, kept my mind right, watching shows, and as much Kevin Hart as I can to laugh," Rice said. "And apart from that, just communicate with everyone else on the outside." Asked again what lesson he took, he reiterated that it was a reality check and not taking anything for granted.
Support System and Personal Focus
Asked what he would like people to know about him, Rice said he is 100 percent locked in with the team and ready to dominate. "I would say I'm a positive guy. I'm a great person to feed off as far as energy," Rice said. "A smiling guy, mostly at all times, unless it's time for work, then I'm serious."
"And also I'm a father, so I take most responsibility in being a good father to my boys," Rice added. He said he has a good brotherhood behind him as he prepares for the season.
Since being released, Rice has been a regular presence inside the Chiefs facility, often joined by quarterback Patrick Mahomes as both recovered from knee injuries in time to be cleared for training camp. "I'm doing good mentally," Rice added. "I've got the right group of guys around me. Good agents, good coaches, small circle on anybody that's outside that's not part of the football team. Just keeping my head straight and also keeping me in a positive attitude."
Rice recalled summer rehabilitation sessions spending time grinding in the facility with Mahomes and trainers. "It sounds good to keep building that relationship, on and off the field, and just having someone you know will always back you up," Rice said.
Contract Year and Future Motivation
Rice is entering a contract year with his rookie deal in its final year. After a 938-yard, seven touchdown rookie season, he has been blighted by injuries the past two seasons and has added motivation with his future beyond this season up in the air.
"I mean, it's motivating," Rice said. "Honestly, just being able to be back on the field with my brothers right now is motivating. That's in the future right now, and I'm just focused on what's going on right now and getting better for the team."
