The Associated Press is reporting that law enforcement official sent a copy of the Ray Rice video to NFL officials in April.
BREAKING: AP Source: Law enforcement official sent copy of Ray Rice tape to NFL executive in April
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 10, 2014
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 they were unauthorized to release the video but shared it unsolicited, because they wanted the NFL to have it before deciding on Rice’s punishment.
According to the report, the official played The Associated Press a 12-second voicemail from an NFL office number on April 9 confirming the video had arrived.
A female allegedly responded thanks and said: “You’re right. It’s terrible.”
This reports dispute the notion that NFL officials and commissioner Roger Goodell were unable to gain access to the video of Rice assaulting his wife before it was released by TMZ.