I apologize for the sensational headline. But this is kind of a big deal. And by kind of, I mean, if the following is true, this could be a really, really big $&#$&%$& deal. And it could be the end of the Goodell era in the NFL.
The Associated Press is reporting they spoke to a law enforcement official that confirmed he sent the elevator video of the Ray Rice incident to NFL executives five months ago, shortly after the initial arrest. According to the report, there is a 12 second voicemail from an NFL office number on April 9 in which a female NFL executive responds with a ‘thanks,’ before saying, “You’re right. It’s terrible.”
The AP’s source is remaining anonymous due to the ongoing investigation but said he wanted to make sure the NFL got the video. He cannot confirm if anyone from the NFL watched the video.
If this is true, if the NFL did receive this video after Goodell said they did not, it is a devastating blow to Roger Goodell and the NFL, considering Goodell repeated multiple times no one with the NFL saw the elevator video before TMZ released it this week. If it is proven that Goodell has been lying through his teeth, this discovery not only puts into question the commissioner’s character but the legitimacy of the most successful sports league in American history. After all, if they lie about this video tape, what else could they be lying about?
According to reports, congressman have demanded the NFL be completely transparent in showing the way they investigated the Ray Rice case. Others are demanding for Goodell’s resignation.
I understand this is a highly emotional case that is more complex than most of us could ever imagine. But calling for an immediate scapegoat would only worsen the situation. Ray Rice is responsible for his actions, not Roger Goodell.
At the same time, if it’s proven that Goodell and the NFL purposely attempted to brush this situation under the rug before the public outcry began — the aforementioned voicemail being just the tip of the iceberg — Goodell won’t just be a scapegoat, he’ll be Nixon 2.0.
The culture is changing and changing fast. Here you’ll find a list of athletes that have been arrested for violent crimes. Aside from those who had to serve prison time, how many of these players arrested for similar crimes to Ray Rice were actually suspended?
This story isn’t going away any time soon.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
