Rashee Rice reignites the Chiefs and sparks controversy

Rashee Rice is back—and he’s making noise. The third-year wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs has been a key piece of the offense since returning in Week 6, after serving a six-game suspension for a hit-and-run incident in 2024. Since then, he’s racked up three touchdowns in two games, including a standout performance on Monday Night Football against the Washington Commanders. But not everything was smooth sailing—he also stirred up a moment that raised eyebrows.

According to Firstsportz, Rashee Rice was penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct in the fourth quarter. After catching a 25-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes on second-and-17, the receiver tossed the ball toward Commanders safety Quan Martin, who had his helmet on, and did so right in front of the official. The flag came out instantly.

Rice trying to explain that he was throwing it to the ref and not at a players head pic.twitter.com/NoJCsk9W56

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 28, 2025

No intention to provoke

Rashee Rice later explained that he meant to return the ball to the referee, not antagonize the defender. “He reached out to catch it. But hey, it’s fine. We won the game. Next play, and that’s it,” he said during the postgame press conference. Head coach Andy Reid also heard Rice’s side of the story on the sideline.

RASHEE RICE TOUCHDOWN
pic.twitter.com/TDajlWf4ef

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 28, 2025

Oddly enough, the penalty didn’t hurt the Chiefs. In fact, on the same drive, Mahomes found Rashee Rice again for a 25-yard touchdown. Kicker Harrison Butker added the extra point, and Kansas City took a 21-point lead. The game ended 28-7, improving the Chiefs’ record to 5-3.

A fine incoming?

Despite his explanation, Rashee Rice could still face a fine from the NFL. The league’s taunting rules are strict: $11,593 for a first offense, and $17,389 for a repeat. The player will receive a letter with footage of the play, the reason for the fine, and the option to appeal to Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson.

Rashee Rice has been a difference-maker since returning. In his 2025 debut, he posted two touchdowns and 42 yards on seven catches. Against the Commanders, he added 93 yards on nine receptions. Next week, he’ll face the Buffalo Bills—a team he’s played twice before, totaling 119 yards and a touchdown.

Rashee Rice was legitimately trying to throw that ball at the ref. 😂

— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) October 28, 2025

Controversy or not, Rashee Rice is leaving his mark. And if he keeps syncing with Mahomes the way he has, the Chiefs may have found one of their most dangerous weapons for the second half of the season.