Critics heavily attacked Travis Kelce for his pregame outfit on Sunday. He and teammate Tyquan Thornton wore shirts supporting Rashee Rice, who is suspended for six games after being involved in a multi-car accident in Texas in 2024.
Fans at Arrowhead Stadium watched in disbelief as the All-Pro tight end showed clear support for his teammate. Many called it inappropriate, given Rice’s proven involvement in the crash. One of the harshest critics was the victim’s lawyer.
An inconceivable act, according to the victim’s attorney
According to the New York Post, attorney Marc Lenahan, who represents Kathryn Kuykendall, issued a statement condemning the actions of Kelce and Thornton.
“Rashee is not Nelson Mandela or Pepe Mujica, men who fought for what they believed in. There is evidence Rashee was driving 119 mph in a $1,749-a-day rented Lamborghini with marijuana and a gun inside, on Easter weekend. ‘Free Rashee’? He already thinks he’s getting away with it. He hasn’t paid a cent of the $1.1 million judgment he owes our client, who lives in constant pain,” Lenahan said.
Travis Kelce and Tyquan Thornton were spotted wearing ‘Free 4’ shirts in support of suspended teammate Rashee Rice: https://t.co/WnAGMJPEwN pic.twitter.com/4IaAWn30Yu
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 15, 2025
The lawyer added: “I respect Kelce and Thornton supporting their teammate, but the ‘gym teacher’ needs to talk to the history teacher.”
Lenahan left no doubt: he rejected the players’ actions, stressing Rice’s guilt had already been proven. In August 2024, the league suspended Rice for violating its personal conduct policy after the Dallas crash. He drove a Lamborghini Urus at 119 mph before colliding with another car, leaving one person injured. The court sentenced him to five years’ probation and 30 days in jail.
Rice will be eligible to return in Week 7, when the Chiefs face the Raiders. His comeback is crucial, as the team’s offense has struggled, starting the season 0-2.
