The NFL is receiving a lot of backlash over their handling of the domestic violence incident between former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and his then-fiancee. Namely how they could see the tape, which was released to the public on Monday by TMZ, and still hand down just a two-game suspension.
That has led NFL officials to claim in various forms that they didn’t have the tape, though they requested it. Today, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent out a memo to the league claiming the league never asked the casino for the video but did ask law enforcement, ultimately backing up their claim that they never saw the vide before its release on Monday.
Well according to an AP report, the NFL had a copy of the video.
BREAKING: AP Source: Law enforcement official sent copy of Ray Rice tape to NFL executive in April
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 10, 2014
It looks like the AP can not only confirm that the NFL did have a video, but that they indeed viewed the video.
From ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
"The person played The AP a 12-second voicemail from an NFL office number on April 9 confirming video arrived. A female voice expresses thanks and says: “You’re right. It’s terrible.”"
The NFL and their PR person Greg Aiello is already in damage control mode.
Greg Aiello statement: 'We have no knowledge of this. We are not aware of anyone in our office who possessed or saw the video..' Cont.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 10, 2014
Aiello statement cont.: 'before it was made public on Monday. We will look into it.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 10, 2014
Aside from the deceit surrounding the investigation, Goodell can expect greater pushback going forward if he remains in his position going forward because of the hypocritical stance he has presented.
Roger Goodell has always said ignorance is no excuse: Bounty investigation, players who test positive, etc. More important now than ever.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 10, 2014