Ravens GM Testimony: Ray Rice Told Goodell He Hit Fiancée In Elevator

The NFLPA's push to reinstate Ray Rice could finally give us definitive answers on how royally Roger Goodell fucked up when handling Rice's domestic violence case.

The latest, according to Don Van Natta Jr., is that Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome testified Thursday that Ray Rice told Goodell on June 16th he hit his wife in a casino elevator. Newsome's claim contradicts what Goodell said when suspending Rice a second time in September, which was that the video brought new information to light.

Here's more from the :

What occurred in the June 16 hearing is key to Rice's chances for reinstatement, sources said. He was suspended indefinitely Sept. 8 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy after a video of him hitting Janay [Palmer] and knocking her out at an Atlantic City casino was released publicly.

Goodell originally had suspended the running back for two games.

Rice and the NFL Players Association contend the league's indefinite suspension constitutes an enhanced punishment for the same violation and thus violates labor law. The union also is arguing that the discipline of Rice by Goodell was inconsistent as it relates to the league's conduct policy. Rice is seeking immediate reinstatement.

Goodell's claim that he didn't know what happened in the elevator seemed like bullshit at the time, and many subsequent reports about the release of the videotape and sources from the June 16th hearing refuted that claim. Newsome's testimony, which came under oath, essentially says Goodell was lying about the "new information" he learned in September. Goodell and Rice also testified in the suspension appeal hearing, but their testimony has been sealed.

Without a doubt, there will be more to come. Hopefully, it's only a matter of time before we find out what Goodell said under oath.

Photo via AP

[ Outside the Lines]