NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced an independent investigation into the Ray Rice controversy, led by former FBI director Robert Mueller III.

.@NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces ex-FBI director Robert Mueller III will conduct an independent investigation into Rice situation — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2014

Specifically, Ian Rapoport noted that the investigation will focus on the handling of evidence of Ray Rice's assault of his then-fiancee Janay Palmer. Conflicting reports about the surveillance video have brought heavy criticism upon Goodell and the National Football League.

Rapoport also noted that NFL owners John Mara (New York Giants) and Art Rooney (Pittsburgh Steelers) will oversee the investigation, and that Goodell said the investigation will have "full cooperation" from the league. The final report will be made available to the public.

Rice originally received a two-game suspension from Goodell in July, a punishment that changed to an indefinite suspension from the league after new evidence was leaked by TMZ on Monday. The leaked surveillance video showed Rice's assault in an elevator, and sparked outrage and criticism that led to Rice's release from the Baltimore Ravens and his indefinite dismissal from the NFL.

Goodell claimed that he never saw the leaked video until it was made public in an interview on Tuesday with CBS reporter Norah O'Donnell. Goodell also sent a memo to team owners stating the same. However, an Associated Press report on Wednesday claimed that an unnamed law enforcement official said the NFL was in possession of the evidence back in April. The NFL immediately refuted the claim, saying they would investigate the matter further.