I'm not saying he was getting 5 years for the failed drug test. They gave him a 5-year period in which to serve the original 30 days. And the 30 days didn't have to be consecutive if I recall. That's a pretty damn good deal for all the charges he was potentially facing.
Best time to serve the 30 days, he was already recovering from his surgery, might as well get it done and get it over with. Only bad problem was that he is missing rehab with the Chief's doctors and staff. But they surly were involved in the decision if the had a choice.
There are many people who arent allowed to drink or do illegal drugs as part of their probation. They can generally still use Marijuana if it has a Dr.s prescription. Same as its legal for them to take Adderall if they have a prescription. You have to show them your medical card and receipts from the pharmacy. I know tons of people who were allowed to.
Then that is worked into their probation, and I doubt Rice had a medical exemption for it. The point is, he knew the terms and violated it. And he now has put himself at risk of greater jail time with any further probation violations. The 30 days he got was part of the deferred adjudication agreement. Further violations of that agreement may result in him serving the time based on the original felony charges which could mean up to 10 years in prison.
