Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009

Cable met with Al Davis, but he won't talk about it

NFL Notes

Embattled Raiders coach Tom Cable said that he and managing general partner Al Davis have discussed the allegations made in an ESPN story about Cable having a history of physically abusing women.

The meeting came after the Raiders issued a statement Monday saying a "serious evaluation" of the matter would be undertaken.

"Al and I have spoken," Cable said. "What we talked about is between us, and we'll keep it that way." He also said he expects to be the Raiders coach the second half of the season. However, he did not receive an assurance from Davis during their discussion.

"We didn't even talk about that," Cable said. "We talked about, like you're supposed to, the team, personnel moves, the second half and upcoming (games). Those are not issues for us to discuss. There's no need to right now. Right now, it's about trying to turn it around and get us on track."

A league spokesman said the NFL is investigating accusations of physical abuse from Cable's first wife and a recent girlfriend. Cable said Sunday he slapped his first wife more than 20 years ago but has not touched a woman in an inappropriate manner ever since.

In other news, Samson Satele will be the starting center once Robert Gallery returns at left guard, Cable said. Gallery is expected back for Oakland's next game, Nov. 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs. ... Wide receiver Chaz Schilens (foot), running back Darren McFadden (knee) and Gallery practiced without experiencing any setbacks. McFadden is expected to play against the Chiefs. Schilens' status remains questionable. ... Cornerback Chris Johnson (groin), defensive tackle Gerard Warren (toe), tight end Tony Stewart (chest), right offensive tackle Cornell Green (calf) and receiver/kick returner Nick Miller (shin) did not practice. Green said he will practice "full go" Monday. ... The Raiders waived guard Brandon Rodd from the practice squad and signed receiver Shaun Bodiford to take Rodd's place.

• HASSELBECK ACHING — Matt Hasselbeck watched most of practice to rest his broken ribs, though the Seahawks expect the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback to start again Sunday against Detroit. Seattle coach Jim Mora said Hasselbeck "was a little bit beat up, like what happens to a lot of quarterbacks in this league" after playing all of last weekend's 38-17 loss at Dallas.

• COWBOYS CANOPY — Texas A&M University's tentlike athletic complex wasn't built to withstand the maximum winds prescribed by the building code, according to an engineering firm hired by the university to evaluate the $35.6 million structure. The analysis suggests the McFerrin Athletic Center was built using a flawed design similar to that linked to the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility, which collapsed in May, injuring a dozen people.