(Video) Rashee Rice Bizarrely Gets Penalized for Trying to Throw the Ball Back to Referee During Commanders Game

Rashee Rice cost the Chiefs 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct in the fourth quarter.

(Video) Rashee Rice Bizarrely Gets Penalized for Trying to Throw the Ball Back to Referee During Commanders Game

Rashee Rice throws the ball at a Commanders defender (Image via IMAGO/X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Rashee Rice‘s return has injected new life into the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense. After passing the challenge posed by the Detroit Lions in week six, the Chiefs secured two more wins against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Washington Commanders.

Rice was instrumental in both games. In his 2025 debut, the third-year receiver racked up two touchdowns, 42 yards from 7 catches. He followed it up with 9 catches, 93 yards, and 1 touchdown performance against the Commanders on Monday Night Football.

However, he also cost the Chiefs valuable yardage for making a bonehead mistake in the fourth quarter. After catching a 25-yard pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a 2nd-and-17, Rice committed a taunting penalty.

Replays showed that Rice threw the ball at Washington safety Quan Martin, which his helmet, right in front of the referee. The official threw a flag and penalized the Chiefs.

Rice was later seen explaining to head coach Andy Reid that he never meant to hit Martin.

Regardless, the unsportsmanlike conduct cost the Chiefs 15 yards. Ironically, the penalty did not matter; rather, it helped the Chiefs score a touchdown.

Mahomes connected with Rice on the 13th play of the drive to score a 25-yard touchdown. Kicker Harrison Butker buried the one point, giving the Chiefs a 21-point lead.

The game ended in a 28-7 win for the Chiefs, improving their season tally to 5-3 after eight games.

The NFL could fine Rashee Rice for the taunting penalty

Even though the taunting penalty led to his third touchdown in two games, Rice could be staring at a hefty fine from the NFL. The league prefers to lay down the law on unsportsmanlike behavior.

(Video) Rashee Rice Bizarrely Gets Penalized for Trying to Throw the Ball Back to Referee During Commanders Game
Rashee Rice (Image via IMAGO)

The NFL fines $11,593 for first-time taunting offenders. If it happens more than once, then the number increases to $17,389. According to NFL guidelines on accountability measures:

Players subject to accountability measures receive a letter informing them of what they did, a video of the play in question, why they are being fined, and how much it will cost them. They also receive information on how to appeal the fine. If they choose not to appeal, the fine is withheld from their next game check.

Players can appeal to either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson for a review of their case.

During the post-match press conference, Rice revealed that he meant to throw the ball back to the referee and had no intention of hitting Martin.

Yeah, yeah, I was trying to throw the ball to the ref. 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.

Rashee Rice said (H/T: Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports)

Rice was suspended for the first six games of the season. He served a ban for a 2024 hit-and-run case that left several individuals injured on a Dallas highway.

Next week, Rice and the Chiefs face old foes in the shape of the Buffalo Bills. Rice has played the Bills twice in his career (1-1 record). He has racked up 11 catches from 14 targets for 119 yards and scored 1 touchdown.

Also Read: