The reporters insist they said nothing provocative, asking a football question
Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice confronted two people on Thursday who asked him questions as they walked the course with the NFL’s all-time leading receiver, eventually threatening violence. The natural assumption would be that Rice was offended by something provocative and reacted accordingly. Yet based on video of the incident, it doesn’t appear that was the case.
Rice can be seen telling one of the reporters, “I will f*** you up.” As security separated Rice from the two men, he walked away saying, “If you want some, come get some.” Video taken of the confrontation was obtained by TMZ Sports, which posted the clip to social media.
After the incident, a spectator asked one of the reporters (who work for Starcade Media, according to TMZ) what happened. He said “the craziest thing that’s ever happened in my life,” then said that he asked Rice if the Kansas City Chiefs’ receiving corps was good enough to win another Super Bowl.
The Chiefs finished seventh in the NFL with 4,383 team receiving yards, though that number includes yards compiled by tight ends and running backs, in addition to receivers. Kansas City did not have a 1,000-yard receiver. Rashee Rice led the team’s receivers with 79 catches for 938 yards. (Travis Kelce was the Chiefs’ leading pass catcher with 93 receptions for 984 yards.)
Kansas City added two notable receivers during the offseason, signing free agent Marquise Brown and drafting Texas speedster Xavier Worthy with their first-round draft pick. The team re-signed Mecole Hardman, but lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency.
TMZ found Rice after the incident and asked him about it, to which he said he took the question as a shot against his former team, the San Francisco 49ers, who the Chiefs defeated in last season’s Super Bowl. According to Rice, the men had “smirks on their faces” indicating that they were trying to get a reaction out of him.
Though it’s difficult to hear everything that was said in the video, Rice’s account of the confrontation doesn’t dispute what the reporters said. While speaking to the spectator, one of the reporters suggested that Rice may have been intoxicated. That can’t be verified. So it’s a “he said, he said” scenario, in which each side has their own version of events.
In a statement posted to social media, Starcade Media insisted it meant no disrespect to Rice and was not trying to provoke Rice. Nor were there any “smirks,” as perceived.
Perhaps Rice’s feelings on the Chiefs’ receivers will be revisited later on in a different setting.