Copyright Heavy.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has gotten off to a torrid start to his season since returning from a six-game suspension, but he endured a bit of controversy to end Monday’s blowout win over the Washington Commanders. Rice was flagged for a taunting penalty in the fourth quarter when he tossed the ball into the helmet of Commanders safety Quan Martin. The two appeared to be getting heated before the play, leading to some criticism of Rice for seemingly losing his cool during what was otherwise an easy win for his team. But another angle later emerged that cast doubt on whether it was intentional — and Rice himself later cleared the air about the play. Rashee Rice Hoping to Avoid Fine Rice had just caught a 25-yard pass and was tackled by Martin, who seemed to hold onto the wide receiver’s ankle for a long time as Rice tried to get up. The two appeared to exchange words briefly, then Rice turned and tossed the ball, hitting the Commanders safety in the helmet and earning a 15-yard penalty for taunting. The play initially led to a backlash against Rice, who was in his second game back after serving a suspension for pleading guilty to a felony charge related to a street-racing incident. But another replay painted a different picture, showing the referee standing behind Martin and Rice seemingly tossing the ball to him. Rice appeared to be explaining the situation to Chiefs coach Andy Reid on the sideline, then told reporters after the game that he was indeed trying to deliver the ball to the ref. “Yeah, yeah, I was trying to throw the ball to the ref,” Rice said, via AtoZ Sports. “He put his hands out for the ball. But you know, it’s OK. I mean, we won the game. Next play, and that’s all it could be.” Not everyone bought the explanation, especially after Rice and Martin had exchanged words and the safety was standing just feet away. Rice could still be in danger of earning a fine from the NFL, which reviews all plays and will announce monetary punishments next Saturday. Rashee Rice Had Another Strong Day The penalty may have done little to put a damper on Rice’s big day. He finished the game with nine receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown, adding two carries for 12 yards — with one carry ending just inches short of a second touchdown. Rice now has 16 receptions for 135 yards and three touchdowns through his first two games of the season. The Chiefs have now won four out of their last five games after dropping their first two contests to start the season. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the stretch is a testament to the team’s mettle to recover from a difficult first half to open up a blowout in the second.
