The former girlfriend of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Rashee Rice has filed a civil lawsuit in Dallas County alleging that he physically assaulted her multiple times over an eighteen-month period, resulting in injuries that included swelling, bruising, and episodes of bleeding.

The lawsuit, filed by Dacoda Jones, follows a series of social media posts she made last month in which she publicly accused Rice of domestic violence, marking the first time her allegations moved from online disclosure to formal legal action.

Jones is seeking more than one million dollars in damages, and her lawsuit claims that the alleged assaults occurred at multiple locations, including homes the two shared in Dallas and suburban Kansas City during the time they were in a relationship.

In the filing, Jones accuses Rice of strangling her during an incident in December 2023, stating that it occurred after what she described as an escalation in violent behavior that had become increasingly frequent and unpredictable during that period.

The lawsuit alleges that Rice continued to engage in acts of physical violence throughout their relationship, which lasted until July 2025, including instances in which she claims he grabbed, choked, pushed, scratched, and struck her during confrontations.

According to Jones, many of the alleged assaults occurred while she was pregnant with one of the two children she shares with Rice, intensifying the physical and emotional severity of the situations described in the lawsuit.

The complaint states that Rice also threw objects, punched walls, and damaged furniture during arguments, creating what Jones characterized as a threatening environment that often left her fearful for her personal safety and the safety of her children.

Jones’ attorney did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press regarding whether any police reports were filed at the time of the alleged incidents, leaving unanswered questions about whether law enforcement had previously been contacted.

The lawsuit outlines injuries that Jones claims to have suffered, describing bleeding, swelling, and bruising, along with additional physical pain that she says resulted directly from the confrontations detailed throughout the legal filing.

Representatives listed for Rice did not respond to multiple attempts from The Associated Press seeking comment on Wednesday, and an attorney for the wide receiver also did not immediately return messages requesting clarification or a formal statement.

The Dallas Cowboys confirmed that they are aware of the lawsuit and stated that they remain in communication with the NFL regarding the matter as the league continues its standard review under the personal conduct policy.

The NFL issued a statement indicating that the allegations against Rice are currently under review, a step that is typical when a player faces claims of this nature, though no disciplinary actions have been announced at this time.

Rice’s legal situation adds another layer to what has already been a tumultuous start to his young professional career, which has included both promising on-field performances and significant off-field challenges that have drawn widespread attention.

Last season, Rice missed six games due to an NFL suspension stemming from his involvement in a high-speed crash on a Dallas highway in the 2024 offseason, an incident that left multiple people injured and became a major national story.

Rice later pleaded guilty to third-degree felony charges, including collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury, resulting in a sentence of thirty days in jail and five years of probation.

Despite the suspension and legal fallout, Rice returned to the field in 2025 and recorded fifty-three receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns, serving as one of the few consistent contributors on a Dallas team that finished the season with a disappointing 6-11 record.

The Cowboys’ failure to reach the postseason marked the franchise’s first playoff absence in a decade, increasing pressure across the organization as it navigated a series of on-field issues, off-field complications, and major roster decisions heading into the 2026 offseason.

As news of the lawsuit surfaced, league officials, team representatives, and legal analysts began working to determine how the allegations might impact Rice’s NFL future, which could depend heavily on both the legal process and the league’s investigation.

Domestic-violence related cases in the NFL often lead to lengthy reviews, and outcomes can vary significantly depending on available evidence, legal findings, and the league’s interpretation of the personal conduct policy, which has evolved over the past decade.

The lawsuit does not indicate whether criminal charges will be pursued, and the absence of documented police involvement may complicate potential law enforcement action unless additional evidence or testimony emerges during civil proceedings.

Rice’s case is being closely watched not only because of its seriousness but also because it comes during a broader conversation about accountability, player behavior, and the responsibility teams hold when allegations of domestic violence surface.

The Cowboys, like other NFL organizations in similar situations, will walk a careful line as they balance support for due process with the league’s increasingly firm posture on incidents involving physical harm or accusations of abuse.

For Jones, the lawsuit represents a formal attempt to seek financial compensation and accountability for what she describes as an extended pattern of physical and emotional trauma experienced throughout her relationship with Rice.

Civil suits of this nature can take months or even years to resolve, depending on discovery timelines, potential negotiations, and whether the case proceeds to trial, making it likely that the legal process will stretch into future NFL seasons.

Beyond the legal implications, the allegations renew discussions about the resources available to partners of professional athletes, particularly in cases where fame, wealth, or team affiliation may discourage reporting or complicate access to support systems.

Advocacy groups have emphasized that cases like this shine a light on the need for stronger preventative measures, mental-health resources, and accessible assistance programs to ensure safety for individuals who may feel trapped in harmful relationships.

For Rice, the situation represents a pivotal moment in his career, as the combination of legal troubles, NFL discipline, and now serious civil allegations could shape his standing within the league and influence the Cowboys’ long-term roster decisions.

The NFL’s response will likely be studied closely by fans, journalists, and stakeholders, especially as the league continues working to maintain a consistent approach to personal-conduct violations across high-profile cases.

With the lawsuit now public, the Cowboys must prepare for the possibility of further discipline, reputational scrutiny, and roster management challenges that could unfold depending on the outcome of both legal and league investigations.

As the situation develops, more information is expected to emerge regarding the allegations, the legal proceedings, and how the Cowboys and the NFL will respond to the next steps in a case that raises serious concerns on and off the field.