Hines Ward Weighs In On Rice Probe, Says Goodell Should Be Held Responsible
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Former Steeler Hines Ward is weighing in on the Ray Rice situation, in an interview with TMZ.
The NFL has insisted no one had seen the video of Rice punching his then-fiancée, when he was initially suspended for only two games, but Ward told TMZ:
"When you're in the NFL and you got a bunch of FBIs, I'm pretty sure they could have got their hands on that tape before they made a ruling."
In fact, the Associated Press reports the NFL did receive the video three months ago, but the league says it's not aware of that.
Ward told TMZ that he believes Roger Goodell should be held responsible: "No, he should be because he's the one who gives out fines and penalties to all the owners and players and what not, so he dropped the ball on this one."
The league has hired former FBI director Robert Mueller to investigate the NFL's handling of evidence.
Steelers President Art Rooney and John Mara of the New York Giants will oversee it, and they released a joint statement late Thursday that says in part:
"Our role is not to conduct or direct the investigation but to support Mr. Mueller and assist him in gaining whatever access or resources he needs."
The investigation begins immediately. There's no timetable on how long it will take, but the results will be made public.
Rice has been suspended indefinitely.
Meanwhile,16 female U.S. senators now want the NFL to institute a zero tolerance policy on domestic violence. As it now stands, if it's a first offense, a player can return after a six-game suspension.
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