NFL Commissioner called to resign amid Rice controversy

Los Angeles (KABC) -- What did NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell know and when did he know it? Those are the questions emerging at the heart of the Ray Rice scandal.

The answers, expert say, could determine whether Goodell keeps his job.

Four sources have told ESPN that Rice informed Goodell on June 16th about punching his then fiance Janay Palmer in a casino elevator.

"Ray didn't lie to the commissioner," a source told ESPN's "Outside the Lines." "He told the full truth to Goodell."

ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr., who first reported the story, said the development "directly contradicts Roger Goodell's comments to CBS News on Tuesday."

Goodell told CBS that Rice had been "ambiguous" with him about what actually happened.

On Wednesday, a source for the Associated Press also called into question comments Goodell made during that CBS Interview. That source, an unnamed law enforcement official, said he sent the tape to the league last April.

During the interview on Tuesday, Goodell said he had not seen the tape of the incident inside the elevator before TMZ Sports posted it. "We assumed there was a video. We asked for a video. But we were never granted that opportunity," Goodell told CBS' Norah O'Donnell.

Carolina Panthers player Cary Williams called into question Goodell's comments.

"If TMZ can get it, why can't the National Football League get it?" Williams said.

Some are now calling on Goodell to resign as NFL commissioner.

Anthony Davis of the San Francisco 49ers tweeted out, "#ByeRoger."

Meanwhile, Rice's former team played against their arch rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday night. The game was largely overshadowed by Rice.

Most of the pregame show on CBS Sports and the NFL Network focused on Rice and not on football.

The networks did not air a previously scheduled musical segment featuring Rihanna, saying it would set the wrong tone for the broadcast.

The Ravens beat the Steelers 26-6.

"At the end of the day, we're football players, but we're also men and you've got to compartmentalize things," said Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr.

Several Ravens fans wore Rice's jersey to the game to show him support. The group included female fans.

"Everyone deserves a second chance. This is a situation that is between his wife and himself," Carrie Breen said.

A bipartisan group of 16 female United States senators are not so forgiving.

In a joint letter to Goodell, the senators wrote, "If you violently assault a woman, you shouldn't get a second chance to play football in the NFL."

The NFL has had several recent problems with domestic violence.

In July, Carolina Panther Greg Handy was convicted by a judge of assaulting and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend. He continues to play as he appeals his conviction.

Chad Ochocinco was convicted in 2012 for battery against his wife. He was released by the Miami Dolphins but is now playing football in Canada.

San Francisco 49er Ray MacDonald was arrested for domestic violence. He's out on bail and is playing again.

In 2012, Kansas City Chief Jovan Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend. Then, he killed himself.