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NFL opens independent Rice inquiry

The NFL's handling of evidence will be investigated © Getty Images

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The NFL says former FBI director Robert S. Mueller III will conduct a probe into how it handled evidence as it investigated domestic violence claims against former Baltimore Ravens running-back Ray Rice.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement on Wednesday that the investigation will be overseen by NFL owners John Mara of the New York Giants and Art Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Mueller, who was the director of the FBI for 12 years, will have access to all NFL records.

Mueller, based in Washington, is currently a partner in the law firm of WilmerHale, which helped negotiate the NFL's Sunday Ticket package with DirecTV. The firm also has represented Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and several former members of the firm have taken positions with NFL teams.

Mara and Rooney are members of key NFL committees and have closely advised Goodell throughout his tenure.

Terry O'Neill, the president of the National Organisation for Women (NOW), issued a statement late on Wednesday, calling Mueller's appointment "just window dressing".

"The NFL does not just have a Ray Rice problem, they have a violence against women problem," the statement said. "NOW continues to ask for Roger Goodell to resign, and for his successor to appoint an independent investigator with full authority to gather factual data about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking within the entire NFL community, not just regarding the Ray Rice incident, and to recommend real and lasting reforms."

The NFL's announcement came after a law enforcement official told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity that he sent a tape of Rice striking his then-fiancee at a casino to an NFL executive in April. Goodell has maintained that no one at the league office had seen the tape prior to Monday, when it went viral online.

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