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Raiders' Cable under fire amid abuse allegations
Updated 11/4/2009 5:08 PM ET
Tom Cable is the latest Oakland Raiders head coach under siege, but not merely because his team has stumbled to a 2-6 start. The franchise says it is undertaking a "serious evaluation" of an ESPN report that alleged Cable abused women in past relationships, including his first wife, Sandy.

The NFL reiterated Tuesday that it is investigating the allegations in relation to its personal conduct policy.

Raider CEO Amy Trask, one of the league's highest-ranking female executives, declined to comment on the situation. Cable said he slapped his ex-wife more than 20 years ago. She told ESPN that he punched her.

"We wish to be clear that we do not in any way condone or accept actions such as those alleged," the Raiders said in a statement Monday, a day after a 24-16 loss to the San Diego Chargers. "There have been occasions on which we have dismissed Raider employees for having engaged in inappropriate conduct. …"

In August, Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson suffered a broken jaw and alleged that Cable assaulted him. The Napa County district attorney's office declined to file charges.

Cable replaced Lane Kiffin, fired during the team's bye week last season. The Raiders have a bye this week.

"I'm coaching the Raiders, and my future is to be the coach of the Raiders," Cable told reporters.

Davis has hired eight head coaches during the last 15 seasons. In an attempt to restore past glories, which includes three NFL championships. Oakland has not had a winning campaign since 2002. Oakland ranks last in the NFL in total offense (215.8 yards), No. 26 in defense (373.2). Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, No. 1 draft choice in 2007, ranks next-to-last in the league with a 48.3 passer rating.

Russell was the NFL's overall No. 1 draft choice in 2007. Running back Darren McFadden, a Raider first rounder in '08, has been brittle. Rookie receiver Darius Heyward-Bey, the team's first pick last spring, is off to an unimpressive start.

"In today's NFL, if you are not throwing it well, you're not winning many games," said Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton, a former Raider, and a Westwood One radio analyst.

James Lofton said Davis, 80, remains heavily involved in player evaluations. "Normally, he gets the type of player he wants. But your top picks have to come through for you."

Former Raider Matt Millen, an NFL Network analyst, said Davis' "speed kills" philosophy can still work but added, "I don't know what the heck is going on out there."

Posted 11/4/2009 12:44 AM ET
Updated 11/4/2009 5:08 PM ET