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Southern Methodist University Beats the NFL and Kansas City Chiefs to the Punch by Suspending the Other Driver Involved in the 119-MPH Rashee Rice Crash — Mustangs CB Theordore “Teddy” Knox

Victor HaltomBy Updated:4 Comments4 Mins Read
SMU Mustangs Coach and Team
SMU Mustangs Coach Rhett Lashlee on the sideline with members of his team | Credit: Stephen Lew, USA TODAY Sports

Southern Methodist University CB Theodore “Teddy” Knox is the other driver in hot water over the street-racing incident involving former Mustangs star Rashee Rice.

Per a police affidavit, speeds up to 119 miles per hour were reached in the street race.

While SMU has acted swiftly in response to the incident, neither the NFL nor the Kansas City Chiefs have acted as of yet. SMU suspended Knox. The NFL and the Chiefs are beginning to receive criticism for not acting with the same urgency and speed as SMU.

The Other Driver — Teddy Knox

Southern Methodist University Mustangs band members kneel in protest (Photo)
Sep 17, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; The Southern Methodist Mustangs helmet prior to a game against the Liberty Flames at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. SMU won 29-14. | Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN reports:

“SMU wide receiver Teddy Knox has been suspended after being identified as the second driver — along with Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice — who caused a recent chain-reaction crash in Dallas, the school said Thursday.

“‘SMU takes these allegations seriously,’ the university said in a statement. ‘Federal student privacy laws prevent the University from discussing details involving student disciplinary proceedings.'”

**Note: While ESPN refers to Knox as a wide receiver, Knox is listed as a cornerback in the Mustangs’ team roster.**

Knox began his collegiate career at Mississippi State in 2021. He had limited playing time in his redshirt freshman season with the Bulldogs. He then transferred to SMU. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Mustangs, Knox played mostly on special teams, appearing in a total of 23 games.

Coming out of high school, Knox was a four-star recruit, as a wide receiver.

Knox Faces the Same Charges as Rice

 

NBC Sports reports:

“Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice, who faces eight felony charges in the aftermath of a street race that sparked a six-car accident, has surrendered to authorities in Dallas.

“Via WFAA, he has been booked and released on $40,000 bond.

“Rice has not yet been charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries. That could still happen, resulting in more felony charges.

“Neither the Chiefs nor the NFL have taken action against Rice. As explained on Thursday’s PFT Live, perhaps one or both should.

“The facts are clear. The cars — both of which were registered to Rice — were racing. They endangered the lives of others.”

Knox faces the same charges as Rice.

Interestingly, Knox’s attorney, Deandra Grant, specializes in representing individuals charged with driving under the influence. On behalf of Knox, attorney Grant told the media: “We have fully cooperated with law enforcement. Other than that we have no further comment at this time.”

At this point, neither Rice nor Knox have been charged with driving under the influence of any controlled substances. However, the law enforcement investigation is ongoing, and new charges could be added.

Per Fox 4 in Dallas, Texas:

“Although police say this was a hit-and-run crash, neither Knox nor Rice are charged with failure to stop and render aid. It’s possible that charge could get added later.”

NFL and Chiefs Face Criticism for Not Acting As Swiftly As SMU

NBC Sports stresses that SMU has acted much more quickly than the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs:

“SMU has already suspended Theodore Knox, the driver of the [Corvette]. The NFL and the Chiefs look bad, frankly, in comparison.

“Why not suspend Rice indefinitely pending resolution of the charges? Whether he’s on paid leave or unpaid leave, it’s a serious situation that compels the league to send a message to other players who might be tempted to get behind the wheel of a car and do things that create risk of serious injury both for himself and for others.”

 

Before Becoming a Standout WR for the Kansas City Chiefs, Rashee Rice was a Star at Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University Mustangs and Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice
SMU Mustang Wide Receiver Rashee Rice | Credit: Katie Stratman, USA TODAY Sports

As previously reported in Gridiron Heroics, Rashee Rice was a standout performer at SMU before joining the Kansas City Chiefs and becoming an integral part of their Super Bowl winning campaign in the 2023/2024 season.

This is a rapidly evolving story. Stay tuned for further reports on continuing developments.

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For more sports-related news, focused primarily on the USC Trojans, SMU Mustangs, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Rams, please follow me at @vshjah_Victor.

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Victor is an experienced researcher and sports writer. He is a graduate of Penn State University, where he transferred after beginning his undergraduate studies at SMU in Dallas.

4 Comments

  1. Brad Latham on

    Knox is just a kid and probably doesn’t deserve any severe punishment since nobody was seriously hurt. But, this is smart of SMU to get out ahead of things. They look better here that the Chiefs and the NFL.

    Reply
  2. Chester Turner on

    What about being presumed innocent until proven guilty? Seems like SMU might be jumping the gun a bit here.

    Reply
    • Victor Haltom on

      I hear you, Mr. Turner. But, I would just note that Rashee Rice has publicly admitted he was driving, and said he wants to do what he can to make reparations/restitution to those injured in the accident. As to Teddy Knox, however, I don’t believe he’s made any admissions. In any event, it seems this case will be mostly about damage control by Rice and Knox, rather than any type of claims that they are innocent. We shall wait and see.

      Reply

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