FBI Leader-Turned-NFL Investigator Mueller May Be Independent Despite Conflicts

Last May, the man who will investigate the NFL's mishandling of the Ray Rice case—and possibly determine the immediate future of not just a commissioner, but also a league—gave a commencement speech at the College of William & Mary. Then-FBI Director Robert Mueller had a series of messages to the graduates, but one of them stood out then—and now.

"There will come a time when you will be tested," he told the graduates. "You may find yourself standing alone, against those you thought were trusted colleagues. You may stand to lose what you have worked for. And the decision will not be an easy call."

Mueller is now in a unique position. He is the tester he alluded to that day in May, as well as the tested. A skeptical public will watch him closely for his independence, and he will test the boundaries of that independence as he probes a league that is scurrying to save its image.

Mueller is Ivy League educated and a Marine who earned a Purple Heart during the Vietnam War. From 2001-13, he led the country's pre-eminent investigative organization. His credibility is fairly impeccable.

Yet, Mueller might receive more scrutiny in his current role as NFL gumshoe than he did as leader of the FBI. There remains great skepticism about his true independence, and not just from some media and fans, but also from some team officials across the sport. 

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

One team executive says the NFL should have appointed former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue. While that would seemingly present similar conflicts of interest as those possessed by Mueller (which we will get into in a moment), Tagliabue was appointed as a special investigator in the Bountygate case, and he proved to be a trusted and independent arbitrator who harshly criticized Goodell in his final report.

But other current and former team executives believe that while Mueller may not appear to be a neutral party, he could still end up being an independent thinker. The hiring of Mueller may look bad, but his investigation—because he's known as a man of integrity—could truly be free of NFL bias. Much in the way the appointment of Tagliabue was first met with skepticism yet turned out to be the right decision, Mueller could prove to be a wise choice as well.

Barton Gellman, a national security correspondent for The Washington Post, tweeted this about Mueller:

The recent history of independent investigators in the NFL is actually a good one. There was Tagliabue and then Ted Wells, whose report excoriated the Dolphins organization over the bullying scandal. Both were skilled and independent. Mary Jo White, a former federal prosecutor hired by the NFL to gather evidence in the Bountygate case, was one of the lone outside presences used by the NFL that was criticized for her actions.

This one, however ... this case will test the entire notion of independence because Mueller has so many connections to the NFL, and the two owners overseeing Mueller—John Mara of the Giants and Dan Rooney of the Steelers—are two of Goodell's closest allies.

David J. Phillip/Associated Press/Associated Press

I don't know Rooney, but I've known Mara for more than two decades. He is easily one of the most honest and decent men this writer has ever met. There is not a corrupt bone in his body, and I have little doubt that he would refuse to interfere with Mueller in any way. That's not the Mara method. But again, it's the appearance that troubles some.

Mueller is a partner in the firm WilmerHale, the same company that assisted the NFL in acquiring the DirecTV contract. The company has advised Dan Snyder's Washington football team. Ravens president Richard Cass worked with the firm for more than three decades. 

There is little doubt in my mind that Mueller, a man who fought for his country with honor in Vietnam and served the nation with distinction at the FBI, would avoid suddenly becoming a shill for professional football. But again, it's the appearance.

Bleacher Report analyst and former Saint Jonathan Vilma tweeted:

Mueller says everyone is eventually tested. He was tested in Vietnam and with the FBI. Now he will be tested again in a totally different way.

As will the NFL.

Mike Freeman covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @mikefreemanNFL.