TMZ to prove NFL avoided Video.

[dhstandard]

Harvey Levin from @TMZ told @TonyPerkinsFOX5 they will release news tomorrow that the NFL knew about the Ray Rice video & turned a blind eye

FULL STORY:http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/09/08/harvey-levin-says-tmz-will-reveal-more-on-how-nfl-handled-ray-rice-case/

This looks bad. I really really hope that our organization has nothing to do with this. If the NFL really avoided this whole situation to the point of partially covering it up, there will be a ton of backlash. I hope Bisciotti and Ozzie have nothing to do with this.

[Inqui]

A couple of honest questions:

 

1) How can TMZ physically prove the NFL and maybe the Ravens saw the video? Did Roger Goodell sign off on a FedEx? Did someone hack Ozzie's internet history? Those are supposed to be a couple of comical-sounding scenarios, but it's a question that's been bugging me since I heard these TMZ claims.

 

2) Why does it matter whether they saw the video anyway? It seems like kind of a moot point to me, given that Ray punched his fiancee a couple of times and knocked her out wasn't some new revelation the video uncovered. Unless I'm missing something (and please let me know if I am), if Goodell saw the video the only thing he could be accused of is passing down too light a sentence (again, not some grand revelation).

[AwakenTheDemon]

Screw Harvey Levin. I hated TMZ before this whole "Ray Rice video" and they've done nothing to change that. I find any website that peddles for clicks by preying on people's private lives and vulnerable moments disgusting. Not to mention, I'll never respect ANYONE who felt the need to release footage of Tracy Morgan's car crash earlier this year just for the sake of clicks. 

 

Chris Canty said it best tonight, that Rice video should not have been shown on TV, and I don't mean that in protecting or whitewashing Rice. Did anyone ever consider that maybe Janay, the victim that everyone wants to use, wouldn't want her assault on national TV? Who cares, doesn't matter to TMZ. And hey it worked, once again national media coverage and people sourcing them.

 

Disgusting. Revolting. Classless. This is nothing more than giving TMZ exactly what they want. As if they haven't messed with enough celebrities' lives, there was absolutely no need for them to involve themselves with this fiasco, and they're only making it worse. But hey, that's what they're best at.

[Ravenslifer]

A couple of honest questions:

 

1) How can TMZ physically prove the NFL and maybe the Ravens saw the video? Did Roger Goodell sign off on a FedEx? Did someone hack Ozzie's internet history? Those are supposed to be a couple of comical-sounding scenarios, but it's a question that's been bugging me since I heard these TMZ claims.

 

2) Why does it matter whether they saw the video anyway? It seems like kind of a moot point to me, given Ray punched his fiancee a couple of times and knocked her out wasn't some new revelation the video uncovered. Unless I'm missing something (and please let me know if I am), if Goodell saw the video the only thing he could be accused of is passing down too light a sentence (again, not some grand revelation).

 

It's not a question of even viewing the video.  All they might be trying to prove is that the NFL, and possibly the Ravens, knew that a videotape of the entire incident inside the elevator existed.  Now it's the right of the establishment to allow or refuse access to the video, and that's what might have happened.  Here's the best analogy I can come up with, it's like saying "Yeah Fort Knox exists and we all know it, but the people in charge may or may not let you see inside it."  All TMZ is trying to prove is that people knew the tape existed and didn't watch it; your second point doesn't matter to them, the public reaction will still be that "the NFL/Ravens must have seen the tape and ignored it", whether that's true or not.

[AwakenTheDemon]

It's not a question of even viewing the video.  All they might be trying to prove is that the NFL, and possibly the Ravens, knew that a videotape of the entire incident inside the elevator existed.  Now it's the right of the establishment to allow or refuse access to the video, and that's what might have happened.  Here's the best analogy I can come up with, it's like saying "Yeah Fort Knox exists and we all know it, but the people in charge may or may not let you see inside it."  All TMZ is trying to prove is that people knew the tape existed and didn't watch it; your second point doesn't matter to them, the public reaction will still be that "the NFL/Ravens must have seen the tape and ignored it", whether that's true or not.

 

Then they're wasting their time and about 6 months late, since everyone has known about the tape from inside the elevator since almost the time the incident was reported. 

[Inqui]

It's not a question of even viewing the video.  All they might be trying to prove is that the NFL, and possibly the Ravens, knew that a videotape of the entire incident inside the elevator existed.  Now it's the right of the establishment to allow or refuse access to the video, and that's what might have happened.  Here's the best analogy I can come up with, it's like saying "Yeah Fort Knox exists and we all know it, but the people in charge may or may not let you see inside it."  All TMZ is trying to prove is that people knew the tape existed and didn't watch it; your second point doesn't matter to them, the public reaction will still be that "the NFL/Ravens must have seen the tape and ignored it", whether that's true or not.

I get what you're saying, but I think that only tweaks the wording of my questions.

 

For the first one, I'm still curious about how TMZ would try to prove that the league even knew about the video - aside from "sources say".

 

And maybe this is just my mindset, but I don't see how suspending Rice for two games while ignoring the video is any worse than suspending Rice for two games after watching it/hearing it was out there. At this point, I feel like the "NFL/Ravens ignored/covered up/tried to destroy the video" story is a bit of a storm in a teacup.

[Ravenslifer]

Then they're wasting their time and about 6 months late, since everyone has known about the tape from inside the elevator since almost the time the incident was reported. 

 

Right, but that's not what the public will perceive.  I think the majority of people will believe that the NFL actually saw the tape months ago and hid that knowledge, again whether it was even possible to do so legally won't factor into the equation.  The pretty graphic nature of it, the first thing that comes to my mind is "how could anyone not have shown people this?"  Of course rationally I can say "Well if the casino didn't release it, and the police didn't release it, then nobody else could have access to it."  But instinctively my first reaction would be that if someone had this tape of a person doing this, the first people that they'd show it it to would be that person's employer.

[darklight1216]

A couple of honest questions:

 

1) How can TMZ physically prove the NFL and maybe the Ravens saw the video? Did Roger Goodell sign off on a FedEx? Did someone hack Ozzie's internet history? Those are supposed to be a couple of comical-sounding scenarios, but it's a question that's been bugging me since I heard these TMZ claims.

 

2) Why does it matter whether they saw the video anyway? It seems like kind of a moot point to me, given Ray punched his fiancee a couple of times and knocked her out wasn't some new revelation the video uncovered. Unless I'm missing something (and please let me know if I am), if Goodell saw the video the only thing he could be accused of is passing down too light a sentence (again, not some grand revelation).

I'm curious about the first one as well.

 

For the second question, I think the way the media will make it a big deal is by saying that the NFL doesn't care about domestic violence unless the general public gets upset.

[Inqui]

I'm curious about the first one as well.

 

For the second question, I think the way the media will make it a big deal is by saying that the NFL doesn't care about domestic violence unless the general public gets upset.

So a business doesn't care about anything that doesn't ultimately affect its bottom line. This has been one mind-blowing revelation after another.

[JEEPercreepermd]

A couple of honest questions:

1) How can TMZ physically prove the NFL and maybe the Ravens saw the video? Did Roger Goodell sign off on a FedEx? Did someone hack Ozzie's internet history? Those are supposed to be a couple of comical-sounding scenarios, but it's a question that's been bugging me since I heard these TMZ claims.

2) Why does it matter whether they saw the video anyway? It seems like kind of a moot point to me, given Ray punched his fiancee a couple of times and knocked her out wasn't some new revelation the video uncovered. Unless I'm missing something (and please let me know if I am), if Goodell saw the video the only thing he could be accused of is passing down too light a sentence (again, not some grand revelation).

I completely agree with you. We all knew what happened. Why is it now such a huge story? The Ravens cutting Rice and NFL suspending him were both attempts to save face. So neither have to deal with the bad publicity of being accused of supporting domestic violence.

I don't like what Ray did, but I feel that this thing has a bit of bandwagon attached to it. If this happened in his home, with no video and he's not prosecuted for it, NOBODY is making a big deal of it.

Didn't what's his face from San Fran just get arrested for hitting his wife? You don't see guys on twitter calling HIM out?

Again, i do not support what he did or like what he did or condone what he did. I also believe that there are worse things in this world, she wasn't physically hurt permanently, nobody died and she even married him a few days later.

I worked in the Pennsylvania prison system for quite a while. Not all people who commit crimes are the monsters we make them out to be. I met quite a few good men who made bad mistakes that landed them afoul of the law. Their hope was usually to serve their time, and never make the same mistake again. This is what I feel is best in this case too..a severe punishment, maybe a year off, let the guy do his time and come back. I feel as if there were a lot of knee jerk decisions that were made yesterday in the face of public outcry.

[TDubbs]

Good for TMZ, the police of morality right? TMZ is the picture perfect example of morals. I've seen some pretty ridiculous comments on why the NFL and Ravens may or may not have seen the video. Do we know TMZ even obtained it legally? 

[ratedr]

105.7 the Fan is saying there's a report that the NFL never requested the video, which is just as bad.

[ratedr]

That said, TMZ has sources, not real proof. They also said they could've requested the video from Rice's lawyer. Uh yeah...that was never gonna happen.

[flynismo]

Does it really matter if they saw the video or not? What does that matter?

[funky141]

Does it really matter if they saw the video or not? What does that matter?

wow, I agree with you...that's a first

[flynismo]

wow, I agree with you...that's a first

Actually, that's twice in the past few months....scary. lol

[The Raven]

Does it really matter if they saw the video or not? What does that matter?

 

It matters because there's some speculation that Rice and Janay lied to Goodell and the Ravens about what happened.

 

To me, that's the only possible explanation. Why would the Ravens just go and cut him when the crime was the same? Because he told a different tale to them behind closed doors, and Janay must have vouched for him, and now they've been caught.

[flynismo]

It matters because there's some speculation that Rice and Janay lied to Goodell and the Ravens about what happened.

Actually, haven't the Ravens pretty much confirmed that already?

[The Raven]

Actually, haven't the Ravens pretty much confirmed that already?

 

Yes, without trying to. Harbaugh was asked directly if he felt Rice led him the wrong way, and all he said was something like "We're not going to talk about that."

 

In other words, "Yes, but I don't want to make this worse for Ray." PR speak at its best. 

 

So yeah, I'm completely convinced Ray and Janay lied their asses off. They probably said he pushed her out of self defense or maybe she passed out from drinking. 

 

Edit: Look at it like this. If Harbaugh was willing to say he'd still stand with and support Ray, wouldn't he just be honest and say "Rice was telling the truth the whole time"? But he didn't. He said we're not going to discuss whether Ray misled the team. One can easily come to the conclusion, then, that Ray lied.

[ravens9273]

I am amazed seeing this all over the internet now. everyone claiming a cover up. They saw the tape or they ignored it etc..

Does anyone know laws anymore?

 

First this was still an open case. The video was evidence and with that being said the only people who were allowed access to the video are the police, prosecutors and Ray Rice/Attorney.

 

The NFL nor the Ravens have special legal powers to obtain the video just because Ray Rice works for them.

 

If the video was so easily to be obtained, why did it take TMZ almost 7 months to get it? We all know TMZ has an army of people out there to get them what they want by all means necessary. Their methods are not always ethical nor legal in how they obtain information for their stories. Is it not a coincidence that this video is just now coming out right after the casino in question closed it doors for good? Lets see you now have an employee out of a job. They do not have a fear of being fired since the casino is closed. They need money to survive until they find a new job. In steps TMZ with a nice check for the video.

 

There is no cover up. Everyone knew a video existed. This is no mystery. However the Ravens nor the NFL had any legal rights to the video. They did not see it. They knew about it (as so did the rest of the world) but were not allowed to view it. It was an active and open case/investigation. If the video was so easily accessed like it is being claimed now then why not on the news months ago? Why did TMZ have to pay an ex employee for it after the casino closed?

 

Stop with the conspiracy theories. All the Ravens and the NFL had was Rays and Janays words to go on. They did not have access to the video. Until the case was officially closed in court the evidence and video was sealed to everyone and this includes the Ravens and the NFL.

[Bltravens]

Time to throw on your "us against the world hat".

[ratedr]

Yes, without trying to. Harbaugh was asked directly if he felt Rice led him the wrong way, and all he said was something like "We're not going to talk about that."

In other words, "Yes, but I don't want to make this worse for Ray." PR speak at its best.

So yeah, I'm completely convinced Ray and Janay lied their asses off. They probably said he pushed her out of self defense or maybe she passed out from drinking.

Edit: Look at it like this. If Harbaugh was willing to say he'd still stand with and support Ray, wouldn't he just be honest and say "Rice was telling the truth the whole time"? But he didn't. He said we're not going to discuss whether Ray misled the team. One can easily come to the conclusion, then, that Ray lied.

Sucks they lied but the team shouldn't have just taken their word for it.

[redlobster]

Regardless the nfl knew about the tape, that much would be obvious, whether they viewed it is not clear yet. The second thing is , as far as I know, the NFL does not get unblocked access to this stuff. The Nfl is not the law and legally if the police/whoever didn't want to release it to the nfl it doesn't get released.

 

For the people saying "does it matter if they saw the video" yes it does. If they saw him lay her out and suspended him 2 games, they are failures as humans. I believe that Rice and his wife probably lied to the Nfl about what happened.

[PuRock]

Who cares if they saw the video or not?  This isn't some grassy knoll conspiracy.  Its been proven time and time before that the NFL is inept when it comes to making fair suspensions.  Just throw another log on the fire.  

[PuRock]

Regardless the nfl knew about the tape, that much would be obvious, whether they viewed it is not clear yet. The second thing is , as far as I know, the NFL does not get unblocked access to this stuff. The Nfl is not the law and legally if the police/whoever didn't want to release it to the nfl it doesn't get released.

 

For the people saying "does it matter if they saw the video" yes it does. If they saw him lay her out and suspended him 2 games, they are failures as humans. I believe that Rice and his wife probably lied to the Nfl about what happened.

 

Not really.  Humans are prone to errors and are without fault.  Someone in the corporate world doesn't automatically lose their job or gets sent home for domestic abuse.  

[redlobster]

Not really.  Humans are prone to errors and are without fault.  Someone in the corporate world doesn't automatically lose their job or gets sent home for domestic abuse.  

 

Depends on where you work I guess. My last two employers would dismiss you if you were charged with DV, but Kansas is an At-Will employment state.

[Tiz]

Time to throw on your "us against the world hat".

Gotta agree.

No matter your stance on domestic violence someone is going to alter it so they can sound righteous.

Time to ramp this up. Upset some people and go win another super bowl

[theblackdog]

From what I'm reading on Twitter, TMZ is basically saying "Well the NFL never asked the casino for the elevator video, and they never asked us for the video either"  That's their whole big "scandal" that the NFL never asked them for the video.

 

Really, why would the NFL ask TMZ for a video and not law enforcement, which is what they did.  Now if it turns out law enforcement had this video and didn't send it to the NFL for some reason, they need to answer why they didnt.  However, the NFL asking TMZ for the video and using that to decide Rice's fate would have opened up a whole slew of legal problems.

[nyterpfan]

I completely agree with you. We all knew what happened. Why is it now such a huge story? The Ravens cutting Rice and NFL suspending him were both attempts to save face. So neither have to deal with the bad publicity of being accused of supporting domestic violence.

I don't like what Ray did, but I feel that this thing has a bit of bandwagon attached to it. If this happened in his home, with no video and he's not prosecuted for it, NOBODY is making a big deal of it.

Didn't what's his face from San Fran just get arrested for hitting his wife? You don't see guys on twitter calling HIM out?

Again, i do not support what he did or like what he did or condone what he did. I also believe that there are worse things in this world, she wasn't physically hurt permanently, nobody died and she even married him a few days later.

I worked in the Pennsylvania prison system for quite a while. Not all people who commit crimes are the monsters we make them out to be. I met quite a few good men who made bad mistakes that landed them afoul of the law. Their hope was usually to serve their time, and never make the same mistake again. This is what I feel is best in this case too..a severe punishment, maybe a year off, let the guy do his time and come back. I feel as if there were a lot of knee jerk decisions that were made yesterday in the face of public outcry.

 

 If this had been handled properly right from the beginning there wouldn't be the mess that you see now. Even if the NFL/Ravens didn't actually see the tape---the fact that it sounds like they really didn't make a huge effort to obtain access is kind of a cover-up in itself. The NFL is a multi-billion dollar industry with a ton of clout---you can't convince me that they couldn't use their vast resources to get hold of the video if they really wanted to. IMHO the NFL and the Ravens had a PR agenda from day 1 to whitewash this incident as much as possible in order to protect their respective brand names. Personally, I think some heads should roll---Goodell should get the boot IMMEDIATELY and the Ravens execs should also be held accountable-(Although you can't fire the owner so I don't know who on the Ravens staff should/will be the one to bear the brunt of the ensuing fallout from this fiasco!!)

[CalvinSmoke]

This witch hunt really disgusts me. Ray has been fired, and suspended. People are acting like they really care about domestic violence and acting like they are outraged and it's bull crap.

If anyone really have a rat's butt this story wouldn't be in everyone's face. Because the one we should be concerned about (Janay) is an afterthought! Showing her getting knocked the blank out ALL day long. How is that right? Everyone just wants to be apart of something. I can't wait for everyone to get off their high horse. Stations stopped showing Paul George's injury because it was bad taste, how about a woman who is being rocked by her then fiance?