Travis Kelce's recent fashion choice has ignited controversy. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end donned a T-shirt advocating for his suspended teammate, Rashee Rice, during a pre-game event on September 14.
Rice, currently serving a six-game suspension, was involved in a serious car accident in March 2024 that resulted in multiple injuries. Following the incident, he received a five-year probation sentence and 30 days in jail after pleading guilty to two third-degree felony charges: collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.
On the day of the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce and teammate Tyquan Thornton were seen wearing custom shirts featuring Rice's image alongside the phrase “Free 4,” a nod to Rice’s jersey number. This display of solidarity has not been well-received by everyone.
Attorney Marc Lenahan, representing Kathryn Kuykendall—one of the victims injured in the March accident—expressed his disapproval. “I respect that Kelce and Thornton support their teammate, but the ‘gym teacher’ needs to talk with the history teacher,” Lenahan remarked, alluding to Kelce's recent engagement announcement with Taylor Swift.
Lenahan further criticized the notion of celebrating Rice, stating, “Rashee isn’t Nelson Mandela or Pepe Mujica, men who fought for what they believed in.” He emphasized that Rice has yet to pay any part of the $1.1 million judgment owed to Kuykendall, who continues to suffer from her injuries.
“Talk [and] T-shirts are cheap,” Lenahan added. “If Kelce and Thornton truly believed in Rashee, they’d loan him the money to pay his victims. But since they won’t do that, maybe they can at least be better role models by wearing a T-shirt with an important public service warning: ‘Flee 4!’”
Attempts to reach representatives for Kelce and Thornton through the Kansas City Chiefs communications team have been made for comment.
Rice's suspension began in August, which includes missing the game against the Eagles. He is set to return on October 19 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
After his sentencing in July, Rice issued an apology regarding his involvement in the accident. Prosecutors revealed he was driving at 119 mph when he collided with other vehicles.
“Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas,” Rice stated through his attorney. “There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole.”
He concluded with a plea for safe driving: “I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart. Last and certainly not least, I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families.”
