Report: Ravens ignored tip that Ray Rice video was attainable

The Baltimore Ravens maintained they had not seen the video of Ray Rice knocking out his then-fiance until it became public via TMZ on Monday.

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It appears that was by choice.

ABC News is reporting that the Ravens were tipped off about the video’s availability long ago, but ignored the information.

"The Baltimore Ravens knew shortly after Ray Rice knocked out his wife in a hotel elevator that a surveillance video of the assault existed and that Rice’s lawyer had a copy of the video, but never asked to see it, sources told ABC News today."

This is a terrible look for the Ravens. There’s simply no reason they should not have seen the terrifying and disturbing video before deciding how to proceed with Rice.

However, the Ravens weren’t the only ones to go down because of a new report on Wednesday.

The AP reported that the NFL, who has also said they didn’t have access to the video, was sent the clip months ago.

"A law enforcement official told the AP he sent a video of Ray Rice punching his then-fiancee to an NFL executive five months ago. The league and Commissioner Roger Goodell have been adamant they didn’t see the violent images until this week.The person played the Associated Press a 12-second voicemail from an NFL office number on April 9 confirming the video arrived. A female voice expresses thanks and says: “You’re right. It’s terrible.”"

The NFL and the Ravens handled Rice’s situation about as poorly as they could have and the latest information is only further proof.