Following Travis Kelce and others’ support of Rashee Rice, NTC called on the Chiefs to stand with crash victims instead of excusing reckless behavior and unpaid restitution
Washington, D.C. — The New Tolerance Campaign (NTC) formally released the letter that President Chad Banghart sent at the end of last week to the executive leadership of the Kansas City Chiefs. The correspondence respectfully called on the organization to uphold its stated values of character and integrity by standing with the victims of Rashee Rice’s reckless actions. Specifically, the letter urged the Chiefs to issue a public statement of support for the victims, to discourage fans, and to prohibit players from displaying “Free 4” materials, including apparel, in support of suspended wide receiver Rashee Rice (#4).
Rice is currently serving a six-game NFL suspension after pleading guilty to causing a high-speed six-car crash while racing a Lamborghini at 119 miles per hour. He fled the scene without checking on the innocent victims. The presiding judge noted that this lack of concern ‘bothered him’ and cast doubt on whether Rice was truly remorseful. Despite a court order, Rice has also failed to pay a $1.1 million settlement owed to one of the victims, according to the latest report.
“Accountability matters,” said NTC President Chad Banghart. “The Kansas City Chiefs are more than a football team — they are a cultural institution with millions of fans, including young people who look to their organization as role models. The message the Chiefs send in moments like this has major implications on society, including our nation’s youth. Excusing reckless behavior because of on-field talent and fame is unacceptable.”
Banghart’s formal letter cited recent public support for Rice by teammates Travis Kelce and Tyquan Thornton, who wore “Free 4” t-shirts before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, as well as remarks delivered by Head Coach Andy Reid defending the displays. “Empathy for a teammate is understandable, but when paired with public displays that excuse serious misconduct, it risks sending a dangerous message — that talent and fame are a free pass from responsibility,” Banghart continued.
In the days following the letter’s delivery, and before the Chief’s Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants, neither Travis Kelce nor Tyquan Thornton repeated the “Free 4” display during their warmups. This clear shift marked a significant victory for accountability and showed that Banghart’s letter and the public’s demand for higher standards has been heard.
The New Tolerance Campaign underscored that this effort is consistent with its history of supporting fairness, noting that it previously defended Chiefs starting kicker Harrison Butker when he was attacked for delivering a commencement speech rooted in his Catholic faith.
“Our commitment is not to target the Chiefs, but to hold all institutions — including the NFL — to the same standard of fairness and integrity,” Banghart said. “Whether it means protecting free expression or demanding responsibility, our message is the same: no one will get away with betraying their own stated values while simultaneously evading rightful accountability.”
Moreover, NTC emphasized that this letter was only the beginning. Had the Kansas City Chiefs leadership declined to respond in an adequate manner upon the receipt of this letter, then NTC was ready to begin mobilizing its 100,000+ dedicated advocates to demand additional course correction.
“The Chiefs’ legacy is built not only on victories but also on core values,” Banghart concluded. “This is a moment to show that the team’s dedication to integrity is as a strong as its drive to win.”
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New Tolerance Campaign Communications
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About New Tolerance Campaign
The New Tolerance Campaign is a nonprofit watchdog organization that mobilizes Americans to hold corporations, media outlets, celebrities, universities, and other influential institutions accountable when they display double standards in their actions and rhetoric.
