Source Claims He Sent NFL The Ray Rice Elevator Video 5 Months Ago
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBS/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 officers 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 official, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, says the NFL never followed up. The person can't confirm if anyone at the NFL watched the video.
The person said he shared the video—which he was unauthorized to release—because he wanted the NFL to have it before deciding on Rice's punishment.
Rice and the NFL have been the source of criticism since the incident and the botched suspension by the league office. Rice had served one game of a two game suspension related to the incident before he was cut by the team Tuesday when the tape finally surfaced on TMZ.
The story has intensified pressure on the 49ers to do something about Ray McDonald's playing status. McDonald was arrested a week before the team's opening game on domestic violence allegations. Charges have not been filed. McDonald was allowed to play Sunday in Dallas.
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