Rashee Rice admits prison was a ‘reality check’ and a ‘learning experience’ as the Kansas City Chiefs star turns his attentions back to football with his legal troubles behind him.
Rice was booked into Dallas County jail for 30 days on May 19 after violating terms of his probation related to a high-speed car crash that injured multiple people. Rice, who pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges over the incident, 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 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. And apart from that, just communicate with everyone else on the outside.’
Rashee Rice has opened up on his 30 days in prison during the NFL offseason
Rashee Rice remained in contact with his Chiefs teammates while he was behind bars
Rice was asked again what lesson he took and reiterated: ‘Honestly, it’s just a reality check. And not taking anything for granted.’
Asked what he would like people to know about him, he added: ‘I’m 100% locked in with what’s going on now with the team. Ready to go out there and dominate. And that I’ve got a good brotherhood behind me.
‘I would say I’m a positive guy. I’m a great person to feed off as far as energy. 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.’
Since being released, Rice has been a regular presence inside the Chiefs facility, often joined by quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the pair both recovering 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.
‘I mean, I had times where I could talk to my trainers. Times where me and Pat (Mahomes), during the summer, were just grinding in the facility, just me and him and the 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.’
Patrick Mahomes and Rice were rehabbing together at the Chiefs facility in the offseason
Rice is in a contract year as he looks to secure his future after two injury-prone seasons
Rice is also 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.’
