DALLAS — Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the amount of marijuana allegedly found in Rice's vehicle would result in a state jail felony. The correct charge for the amount listed would be a Class B misdemeanor.
The attorney representing Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice confirmed Thursday that Rice acknowledged driving the Lamborghini involved in a multi-vehicle crash on Central Expressway in Dallas Saturday to investigators.
“I want to say on behalf of Mr. Rice that he has fully cooperated with the Dallas Police Department,” Rice’s attorney, state Sen. Royce West, said. "We will continue to cooperate with them regarding this particular accident.”
Per a recently obtained police report, 10.8 grams (less than one ounce) of marijuana was found in the Lamborghini Rice was driving, an amount that would result in a Class B misdemeanor charge in Texas.
Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine not to exceed $2,000.
West told media members he hadn't been approached by police about that part of the investigation--but described his client as a kid who made a mistake.
“The fact is you got a 23 year old young man that's never been in this type of situation,“ West said.
Rice didn't attend the Thursday press conference, but West said, "You will get an opportunity to hear from him hopefully within the next week.”
Investigators spent Thursday interviewing witnesses and possible suspects connected to the crash--police sources said. Other men who were involved in the crash who left the scene with Rice haven't been identified.
West told the media Thursday that police told him they intend to file charges--what and who they're levied against remains to be seen.
Investigators are waiting to hear more from victims about their injuries before filing said charges--police sources said.
West said Thursday that his team has already begun reaching out to the attorneys for the victims, including Tennessee Walker, who represents a husband and wife who were injured in a white SUV involved in the crash.
“They were in follow-up medical appointments today, and they're still suffering quite a bit,” Walker said.
He says his clients are eager to get this resolved.
“We want a reasonable resolution that takes into account everything that they've gone through and the injuries they sustained, and it's going to take a little while," Walker says.
Walker says they are gathering medical documents to hand over to Dallas Police, as requested, but he acknowledges there are still many unanswered questions.
“A second car, which belonged to Mr. Rice, was involved. Someone else was behind the wheel, and the identity of that individual is still not known,” he said.
Still, Walker believes what was said in Thursday’s press conference is a step in the right direction.
“I viewed it as certainly the most positive step forward. We finally have an answer to at least one of the very key questions here, which is what exactly was Mr. Rice's role in the collision? The statements before that, while expressing sympathies and concern, had been vague about what that role was,” he said. “And so now that we've got that nailed down, it allows us to try and move forward in a positive way with regard to the injuries and damages my clients have sustained.”
Thursday’s press conference comes one day after Rice addressed his involvement in the crash in a statement.
"I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities. I sincerely apologize to everyone impacted,” Rice wrote in a statement on his Instagram story Wednesday.
According to the police report obtained by WFAA, a total of six people were split between the Lamborghini and the Corvette that was speeding on 75 northbound just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The luxury cars lost control, causing the crash.
All of the occupants of the Lamborghini and Corvette fled the scene – leaving multiple victims behind without exchanging information or insurance, according to police. Both the Lamborghini and Corvette are linked to Rice. He’s leasing the Corvette and was renting the Lamborghini from Classic Lifestyle.
An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
A native of North Richland Hills, Rice was a standout at SMU before being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round with the No. 55 overall section of the 2023 NFL Draft.