In the aftermath of the 2024 street racing crash in Dallas involving Kansas City Chiefs star Rashee Rice, his co-defendant has been ordered to pay nearly $3 million in damages.
Theodore Knox, who was a former college teammate of Rice at Southern Methodist University (SMU), was deemed “grossly negligent” by Texas Judge Kim Bailey Phipps. The two men lost control of their cars during a high-speed street race on March 30, 2024, resulting in a six-vehicle crash on a central highway.
In a default judgment, Knox has been ordered to pay $2.88 million to Kathryn Kuykendall, one of the crash victims. This sum includes punitive damages, medical expenses, and non-economic damages.
Knox, who was not present at the hearing and had no attorney listed in court records, now faces the financial fallout from the crash, while Rashee Rice still awaits his trial, which is set for June 9, 2026.
Rashee Rice’s Legal Troubles
Rice, 23, has been facing significant legal issues stemming from the crash, which has garnered attention not only because of his NFL career but also because of his actions during and after the incident. In July 2025, Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years’ probation after pleading guilty to two third-degree felony charges related to the crash: collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.
He was also ordered to pay $115,482 in medical expenses for the victims of the crash. Rice was hit with a six-game suspension from the NFL for his involvement in the incident, which ended in October 2025.
In addition to the street racing crash case, Rice is also embroiled in a separate lawsuit filed by Dacoda Jones, the mother of his children, who accused him of domestic violence in early 2026. These ongoing legal battles have cast a shadow over his career, despite his efforts to move forward.
Knox Faces Legal and Career Consequences
Knox, 24, who was a defensive back for SMU, also faces serious repercussions following the crash. In addition to the $3 million in damages, he was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years’ probation for his role in the crash. SMU suspended him from the football team, effectively ending his college career.
The legal consequences for both Knox and Rice highlight the seriousness of their actions that night. Their street racing resulted in devastating physical and emotional damage to those involved, and now both men are facing significant financial and personal repercussions.
Domestic Violence Allegations Against Rice
Rice’s legal issues have expanded beyond the crash, with Dacoda Jones, the mother of his two children, filing a lawsuit earlier this year. Jones has accused Rice of repeated physical abuse over the course of their relationship, including incidents during her pregnancy. The lawsuit outlines numerous allegations of assault, including choking, hitting, and destroying property, with some incidents reportedly taking place when Jones was pregnant.
Jones posted on Instagram in January 2026, showing images of injuries she allegedly sustained from Rice, as well as damage to her home. The post led many to believe it was an indirect reference to Rice, even though he was not explicitly named.
In the lawsuit, Jones claimed that Rice had a history of controlling behavior and had physically assaulted her in several instances. These accusations have cast a dark shadow over his personal life, as the NFL conducted an investigation into the matter. However, the NFL concluded in April 2026 that Rice did not violate the personal conduct policy, and no disciplinary action would be taken against him.
Impact on Rice’s Career
The legal troubles surrounding Rashee Rice have undoubtedly impacted his career, both on and off the field. Despite his NFL suspension for the crash, the Chiefs star has worked to maintain his position on the team and prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 NFL season.
In a recent statement, Rice’s attorney, Sean Lindsey, said, “Mr. Rice wants to thank the NFL for their thorough investigation and looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season.“
Although his career may continue, the damage to his public image and personal life remains a challenge. His domestic violence allegations and the aftermath of the street racing crash suggest that Rice has much work ahead of him to restore his reputation both as a player and as a person.
Looking Ahead for Rice and Knox
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches and the season continues, Rashee Rice’s future with the Chiefs remains uncertain. The impact of his legal issues on his career will likely continue to play out over time, and the outcome of his June 9 trial could be pivotal in determining his immediate future.
For Theodore Knox, the fallout from the crash has already derailed his football career and left him with a hefty financial burden. The $3 million judgment is just one of several legal battles he faces after being implicated in the crash.
The Dallas street racing incident that has dominated the news cycle will have lasting consequences for both men, affecting their careers, reputations, and personal lives. However, the full extent of the impact remains to be seen as the legal proceedings continue and the NFL season looms on the horizon.
