Former NFL MVP offers words of advice for embattled Chiefs receiver

“What you want to do it for? You got family to take care of,” Newton said. “Keep that s–t in perspective. Keep the main thing the main thing. You’re out here punching photographers and driving reckless. I know you’re young, but bro, you’re responsible for too much s–t to have that be where you put your hat on. ‘Oh, he young. He’ll get it.’ By the time he get it, it’s going to be over with. And how many times do we see this?"

Newton then passed along a foreboding note to the young receiver.

“I will tell you this. There’s not a person in the NFL," Newton said, "Patrick Mahomes included – the league don’t need you, bro. Trust me. They do not need you.”

Newton does know about getting involved in some unsavory things off the field, though he had no issues during his NFL career. He is certainly correct that if Rice cannot stay out of trouble, the Chiefs and the NFL will not resist moving on from him.

Rice’s immediate future with the Chiefs could be in flux. He is facing felony charges over his role in a car crash and was more recently accused of assaulting a photographer at a nightclub. The NFL may bring significant discipline against him no matter what happens on the legal front.