The AP reports that the NFL had this week’s “new” video of Ray Rice punching his then girlfriend five months ago.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — A law enforcement official says he sent a video of Ray Rice punching his then-fiancee to an NFL executive five months ago, while league executives have insisted 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 law enforcement official, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, says he had no further communication with any NFL employee and can’t confirm anyone watched the video. The person said he was unauthorized to release the video but shared it unsolicited, because he wanted the NFL to have it before deciding on Rice’s punishment.
The NFL has repeatedly said it asked for but could not obtain the video of Rice hitting Janay Palmer — who is now his wife — at an Atlantic City casino in February.
Did the NFL not take the Rice situation seriously at the beginning, or did the league engage in a cover-up?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has even more questions to answer now. This will end up defining his time at the NFL helm.
Update: The NFL denies:
UPDATED: @nfl denies it saw Rice video following @AP report that video was sent to league three months ago. http://t.co/VKG9Rbn2bi
— NY Daily News Sports (@NYDNSports) September 10, 2014
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