Travis Kelce Draws Criticism for Wearing Rashee Rice 'Free 4' Shirt Before Chiefs' Loss
A lawyer for a crash victim called the gesture inappropriate as Rice serves a six-game suspension tied to a 2024 Texas wreck; Chiefs coach says players were showing support.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce faced sharp criticism Tuesday after he and teammate Tyquan Thornton were photographed wearing "Free 4" T-shirts featuring images of suspended receiver Rashee Rice shortly before the Chiefs' 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium.
An attorney for one of the individuals injured in the 2024 Texas crash involving Rice called the pregame apparel disrespectful to his client and others affected by the wreck. Marc Lenahan, who represents Kathryn Kuykendall, said in a statement to TMZ that Rice was not a figure to be lionized and accused him of driving at 119 mph in a rented Lamborghini that contained marijuana and a firearm. "Free Rashee? He already thinks he's getting away scot-free. He's not paid a single cent of the $1.1 million judgment he already owes our client, who is living anything but pain-free," Lenahan said.
Rice, a 25-year-old 2023 second-round pick out of SMU, accepted a six-game suspension in August after the NFL determined he violated the league's personal-conduct policy in connection with the Dallas-area crash. He was sentenced over the summer to five years' probation and 30 days in jail and faces a civil judgment that Lenahan says has not been paid. Rice is eligible to return to the Chiefs' active roster in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid addressed the players' decision to wear the shirts during a Monday appearance on Sports Radio 810, saying his players were trying to include Rice while he sits out. "I would tell you, I know these guys love Rashee and they feel for him sitting out here, and so, I think it's no more than that," Reid said. "I just think that those guys, they love the kid and want him to feel part of it in their own way. I really don't think it’s anything more than that."
Kelce and Thornton were photographed in the shirts before Sunday’s kickoff, drawing attention as Kansas City entered a crucial early-season stretch. The Chiefs, the NFL's defending champions, fell to 0-2 after the defeat to Philadelphia, a rematch of the Super Bowl matchup earlier this year.
On the field, Kelce had a pivotal second-half drop that led directly to a turnover by the Chiefs, a play that figured in the narrow loss. The team also dealt with injuries: second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy missed the Eagles game after colliding with Kelce in the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Victim representatives and critics of the show of support said the shirts were tone-deaf given the severity of the crash and the injuries involved. Lenahan also referenced a viral line from Taylor Swift’s engagement post about Kelce while criticizing the gesture, saying, "I respect that Kelce and Thornton support their teammate, but the 'gym teacher' needs to talk with the history teacher."
The Chiefs will visit the winless New York Giants on Sunday Night Football in Week 3. With Rice still suspended and questions mounting about Kansas City's early offensive struggles, the team faces added scrutiny both for its on-field performance and as players navigate the public fallout from their visible show of support.