I'd bet it is. The police had the video and didn't allow the NFL to view it. Goodell said in his release that he knew a video existed but the police wouldn't allow their staff to view it.
If Goodell couldn't see it, I doubt that the Ravens had seen it.
As to what people thought happened, I assume they thought there was some kind of argument, and hope that maybe she struck first. In reality everybody knew he cold cocked her, but if the video wasn't ever seen by public eye the outrage would have died away.
For the most part this will die away as well. rice will play in the league again a year from now having been "rehabilitated" it just won't be with the Ravens. The public outcry and demand for his head would have "forced" then to cut him eventually, they just did it ASAP.
As for the NFLPA I don't think what the NFL did (extending a suspension after the fact without any "details" being added to the offense) probably isn't allowed. However my guess is the NFLPA wanted this suspension anyways given the extremely public evidence, and as such won't fight it.
As to those unsure if Rice will play again because of this instance, just remember, Vick got another shot, donate Stallworth killed a man and played again. Rice will be fine in that regard.
The best part of this news is that now Rutgers won't be using Ray Rice as a recruiting tool anymore.
