Recently, Rashee Rice, the star wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, publicly endorsed Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Clark had just finished an incredible WNBA career, leading the Fever to victory over the Chicago Sky with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Clark took a minute to look back on her life and shared a photograph of herself wearing a Fever jersey and a vintage image of herself playing basketball. She wrote the comment, “Time flies.”
Although Clark’s post received over 520,000 likes very quickly, it was Rice’s encouraging words that caught people’s attention. Fans loved Rice’s message with the fire and crossed fingers emojis, but it also got some backlash. “Cover your charges and law trouble first then comment,” said one Instagram user, while another said, “Aren’t you in jail.”
Eight felony charges are presently pending against Rice in relation to the March 30 car incident involving six vehicles. He is also being investigated for allegedly striking a photojournalist at a Dallas bar a little over two weeks later. Although the photojournalist who reported the incident to the police wants Rice’s charges reduced, the Dallas Police said that their investigation is still ongoing.
Skepticism greeted Rice’s public declaration of support for Clark.
The 24-year-old receiver will likely get a suspension from the NFL, although it is unclear how long the suspension will last or when it will be applied. Despite his problems off the field, Rice has made an effort to encourage other sportsmen. During the Chiefs’ Christmas Day game, he and Caitlin Clark actually traded jerseys, as seen by this tweet from ClutchPoints that shows Clark at Arrowhead Stadium.
The complicated lives that players lead both on and off the field are highlighted by this supportive conversation between Rice and Clark. Despite his legal issues, Rice continues to try to encourage his fellow players. It serves as a reminder that athletes are complex people who experience both personal growth and setbacks.