Kansas City Chiefs State They Are Aware of Alleged Abuse Claims Involving Wide Receiver the Athlete

The NFL franchise issued a statement Wednesday night indicating they are aware of claims of abuse circulated in social media posts by a former girlfriend of wide receiver the athlete and had been in contact with the NFL.

The team omitted the name of Rice specifically in their statement and said they would have “nothing more to add at this time”.

Allegations Posted on Social Media

The woman, who also did not mention the athlete directly, posted a set of images on Instagram that appeared to show signs of physical abuse. Jones stated the person involved was the parent of her kids, and reports indicate she has kids with Rice, whom the Chiefs selected in the second round.

Official Complaints Currently Not on File

No police reports were on file in the Kansas City suburb where the alleged abuse is said to have occurred.

Rice's Prior Legal Issues

Rice was absent for the initial part of this season due to an league-mandated ban for his role in instigating a multi-vehicle accident on a Dallas highway that resulted in multiple people hurt. Rice was sentenced 30 days in jail and five years’ probation after entering a guilty plea to felony charges.

Statistically, Rice finished the season with 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns as the Kansas City went 6-11 and failed to qualify for the postseason for the first occasion in a decade.