Baltimore Ravens sent letter to sponsors saying they had not seen Ray Rice elevator video

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet on the bench against the Denver Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet on the bench against the Denver Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens and the NFL are in a lot of trouble. They are in a lot of trouble with a lot of different people after a thorough, outstanding piece of journalism from ESPN has exposed the underhanded, dishonest, and downright sleazy ways in which the Ray Rice domestic violence situation was handled.

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That report details, among other things, the fact that the Ravens saw the video of the incident in short order after it happened, despite their continued claims otherwise. The team stuck by that apparent lie for a number of reasons, ranging from public relations to their revenue stream.

It is in the interest of the latter, presumably, that the Ravens took the initiative and sent a letter to their corporate sponsors after the explosive TMZ release of the tape to specifically say that they had not seen the video.

According to the ESPN report, the Ravens actively participated in a cover-up so as to lessen the punishment issued to Rice. If that is true, then the pressure from corporate sponsors will hit them as hard as anything because of the power of money.That pressure should come from other sources too, but the Ravens will notice any actions from their sponsors first.

Add this to the list of problems in Baltimore.

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