Chris Christie Supports 'Honest' NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell In Ray Rice Scandal

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has voiced his support for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell this week, defending the commissioner's role in the Ray Rice domestic abuse scandal.

Goodell has faced criticism and demands for his resignation for improperly handling the scandal of former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. Two weeks ago, TMZ released a video showing Rice punching his wife in a hotel elevator, but Goodell and the rest of the league claimed to have never seen the video.

When asked on his "Ask The Governor" radio show whether Goodell should stay or go, Christie replied: "Stay."

"He's an outstanding man, an honest man in my interaction with him […] I absolutely believe Roger Goodell is a good, honest, decent man, that has great integrity. He's admitted he made a mistake in the Rice case."

"We have to be a society that considers the totality of somebody's work, and their life. I know Roger to be a great husband and wonderful father to his two daughters," he added. "In my mind, if I were an NFL owner, I'd be voting to keep Roger Goodell."

The league indefinitely suspended Rice and dropped him from the Baltimore Ravens since the video of him knocking out his wife emerged two weeks ago. Goodell claimed to have not seen the video before TMZ released it, but critics have said regardless of whether the NFL saw the video or not, they should have investigated the Rice incident more thoroughly when they first learned about it earlier this year.

When Rice's abuse first went public, he was given a two game suspension from playing in the NFL.