ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - A law enforcement official says he sent a video of Ray Rice punching his then-fiancee to an NFL executive three months ago, while league officers have insisted they didn't see the violent images until this week.

The person played The Associated Press a 12-second voicemail from an NFL office number on April 9 confirming the video arrived. A female voice expresses thanks and says: ''You're right. It's terrible.''

The official, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, says the NFL never followed up. The person can't confirm if anyone at the NFL watched the video.

The person said he shared the video - which he was unauthorized to release - because he wanted the NFL to have it before deciding on Rice's punishment.