NOW calls for Raiders to suspend Cable

From combined dispatches

The National Organization for Women called on the Oakland Raiders to suspend coach Tom Cable while the team investigates allegations that he has a history of violent behavior toward women.

NOW president Terry O’Neill praised the Raiders for undertaking a “serious evaluation” of charges made by Cable’s first wife, Sandy Cable, and former girlfriend Marie Lutz that the coach physically abused them during their relationships.

But she said Cable should be suspended while that investigation proceeds. The Raiders had no comment.

“This is the National Football League. Boys and girls around the country, as well as many women, look to the leaders of the NFL as our role models,” O’Neill said. “Why would the NFL tolerate having a man who admits to having battered his wife?”

Cable has acknowledged striking Sandy Cable with an open hand more than 20 years ago and said it was the only time he has ever touched a woman inappropriately. Marie Lutz accused Cable of assaulting her as recently as last January, but Cable said previously he was cleared by police of any wrongdoing in that case.

“I take the accusations very seriously,” O’Neill said. “What you have is a man who seems to be a person who habitually uses violence to get what he wants. That’s what batterers do.”

O’Neill said she has not contacted the Raiders or the NFL directly. Cable said he did not believe pressure from outside groups would influence what the team decides to do with him.

“I think it will be handled properly,” he said. “I’m going to leave it at that right now.”

COLTS: A person with knowledge of the injury says cornerback Marlin Jackson will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee.

The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Colts had not announced the injury. It occurred during Thursday’s practice.

SEAHAWKS: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck fully participated in practice a day after sitting out to give his broken ribs a rest.

Hasselbeck said he feels similar to how he felt at this point a week ago. The Seahawks host Detroit on Sunday.

Seattle coach Jim Mora said Hasselbeck was a bit beaten-up after playing in all of last weekend’s 38-17 loss at Dallas. Hasselbeck was crumpled on the turf after a hit in the third quarter but finished the game.

STEELERS: Safety Ryan Clark likely will sit out Monday night’s game at Denver because of a rare blood condition that nearly caused him to die after playing there two years ago.

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