Yesterday TMZ released shocking video of former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocking his then-fiancée out in a casino elevator. Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner had, following the league’s investigation, given Rice a two-game suspension for the incident of domestic violence. Following the release of the in-elevator footage, Goodell suspended Rice indefinitely from the league.  You can see the in-elevator video here. (graphic)

In a press release, NFL spokesman said, “We requested from law enforcement all information about the incident, including the video from inside the elevator. That video was not made available to us and no one in our office has seen it until today.” The NFL’s investigation and failure to obtain available evidence before initially suspending Rice for two games has, at a minimum, caused significant embarrassment to the league, and may cost Goodell his job.

When conducting an investigation into player misconduct, the NFL could learn some lessons from human resources professionals. When conducting investigations into complaints of discrimination, harassment or workplace misconduct, human resources professionals know that it is important to obtain all the available evidence and information before making conclusions on the investigation. This includes interviewing all of the available witnesses, requesting relevant documents and tangible items from the complaining party, the accused, witnesses and even third parties. 
 
Here, the NFL’s investigation broke down and was inadequate. While the NFL allegedly requested a copy of the video tape from law enforcement authorities (who are unlikely to provide evidence to the league on an open criminal investigation), Fox Sports is reporting that the NFL never asked the casino for a copy of the in-elevator videotape and must have never asked Rice if he had a copy. The casino told Fox Sports that it would have given a copy of the video to the NFL had it had asked just as it gave a copy to the police and to Ray Rice’s lawyer. As a result of failing to obtain or view the in-elevator footage prior to making its initial disciplinary decision, the NFL made its decision without a full appreciation of the facts –something that today, with the benefit of hindsight, I am sure the league and Goodell surely regret.

The NFL’s investigation into the Rice incident emphasizes the importance of a thorough investigation before reaching conclusions and making decisions that affect worker’s employment. If evidence that was available to the investigator at the time of the investigation is not obtained, or at least requested (without good excuse), the failure to obtain or evaluate that information can undermine the thoroughness and adequacy of an investigation. Employers, and the NFL, should strive to make important decisions, only after considering all of the information that is available or readily obtainable. 

As the NFL and Roger Goodell are about to learn, failure to conduct thorough investigations can have serious consequences. Roger Goodell’s tenure as NFL Commissioner may well be at an end.

Follow me on Twitter @RussellCawyer.