Published: Saturday, October 24, 2009
NFL NOTEBOOK: Cable thankful to avoid charges
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable made his first public comments Friday since learning he would not be charged for an alleged assault against a former assistant, saying he was thankful for the district attorney's decision.
Napa County district attorney Gary Lieberstein said Thursday he would not pursue charges against Cable for allegedly breaking Randy Hanson's jaw in August, citing inconsistencies in Hanson's story that were not corroborated by the three assistant coaches in the room at the time.
“I'm obviously very thankful that the authorities did the thoroughness that they did in terms of getting the facts and all that,” Cable said. “I never let it become a distraction because as I mentioned many times, I just had a lot of faith. I knew what happened.”
Cable had been accused of assaulting and threatening to kill Hanson at a meeting at the team's training camp hotel in Napa on Aug. 5. Hanson was treated for a broken jaw following the incident.
But Raiders assistant coaches John Marshall, Lionel Washington and Willie Brown did not back up Hanson's version of events, telling investigators that Cable did not punch Hanson or make any verbal threats.
“You always have to be happy when the truth comes out and it prevails,” Marshall said. “Sometimes it's tough. I think it's always great when you win doing the right thing. I felt in my heart it was just a matter of getting all the facts cleared up by the DA or whoever does that stuff.”
Lieberstein said the coaches told police that Cable became angry and rushed toward Hanson, but Washington stepped between the two. Cable ran into Washington, who bumped into Hanson and knocked him out of his chair. The witnesses also told authorities that Cable then grabbed Hanson by the shirt but never struck or threatened him.
Cable still could face punishment from the NFL for the incident even though no charges were filed.
Browns cleared in injury
BEREA, Ohio — The NFL says the Cleveland Browns did not violate any league policies when rookie running back James Davis was injured during a recent practice.
The league reviewed video of the practice session and interviewed Browns players, coaches and team staff. It was determined Davis' season-ending shoulder injury took place in a controlled environment.
Also Friday, Browns cornerback Eric Wright was back at practice hours after flipping his car on a wet highway entrance ramp. He may play Sunday against Green Bay.
Wright rolled his car early Friday when his vehicle slid on wet pavement. He was examined and released at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. The Browns sent him for more tests and Wright was back at the team's training facility in Berea, Ohio, in time for practice. Coach Eric Mangini was hopeful Wright would be able to play in Sunday's home game against the Packers.
More games in Britain
LONDON — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the league hopes to start playing multiple regular season games in Britain in the next few years. He also says putting an NFL franchise in London is of “tremendous interest.”
Goodell, speaking at a sports conference in London, stopped short of giving a timeline for expanding the NFL's overseas presence.
Polamalu practices
PITTSBURGH — Steelers safety Troy Polamalu practiced Friday with the Steelers' starters and is planning to play Sunday against the unbeaten Vikings. He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday to rest his left knee.
Ochocinco fined 10k
NEW YORK — Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco has been fined $10,000 by the NFL for a uniform violation. The colorful Cincinnati wideout was fined for wearing the wrong colored chin strap (black).
Also fined $10,000 was Tennessee Titans safety Chris Hope for roughing-the-passer against New England in a 59-0 loss.
Napa County district attorney Gary Lieberstein said Thursday he would not pursue charges against Cable for allegedly breaking Randy Hanson's jaw in August, citing inconsistencies in Hanson's story that were not corroborated by the three assistant coaches in the room at the time.
“I'm obviously very thankful that the authorities did the thoroughness that they did in terms of getting the facts and all that,” Cable said. “I never let it become a distraction because as I mentioned many times, I just had a lot of faith. I knew what happened.”
Cable had been accused of assaulting and threatening to kill Hanson at a meeting at the team's training camp hotel in Napa on Aug. 5. Hanson was treated for a broken jaw following the incident.
But Raiders assistant coaches John Marshall, Lionel Washington and Willie Brown did not back up Hanson's version of events, telling investigators that Cable did not punch Hanson or make any verbal threats.
“You always have to be happy when the truth comes out and it prevails,” Marshall said. “Sometimes it's tough. I think it's always great when you win doing the right thing. I felt in my heart it was just a matter of getting all the facts cleared up by the DA or whoever does that stuff.”
Lieberstein said the coaches told police that Cable became angry and rushed toward Hanson, but Washington stepped between the two. Cable ran into Washington, who bumped into Hanson and knocked him out of his chair. The witnesses also told authorities that Cable then grabbed Hanson by the shirt but never struck or threatened him.
Cable still could face punishment from the NFL for the incident even though no charges were filed.
Browns cleared in injury
BEREA, Ohio — The NFL says the Cleveland Browns did not violate any league policies when rookie running back James Davis was injured during a recent practice.
The league reviewed video of the practice session and interviewed Browns players, coaches and team staff. It was determined Davis' season-ending shoulder injury took place in a controlled environment.
Also Friday, Browns cornerback Eric Wright was back at practice hours after flipping his car on a wet highway entrance ramp. He may play Sunday against Green Bay.
Wright rolled his car early Friday when his vehicle slid on wet pavement. He was examined and released at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. The Browns sent him for more tests and Wright was back at the team's training facility in Berea, Ohio, in time for practice. Coach Eric Mangini was hopeful Wright would be able to play in Sunday's home game against the Packers.
More games in Britain
LONDON — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the league hopes to start playing multiple regular season games in Britain in the next few years. He also says putting an NFL franchise in London is of “tremendous interest.”
Goodell, speaking at a sports conference in London, stopped short of giving a timeline for expanding the NFL's overseas presence.
Polamalu practices
PITTSBURGH — Steelers safety Troy Polamalu practiced Friday with the Steelers' starters and is planning to play Sunday against the unbeaten Vikings. He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday to rest his left knee.
Ochocinco fined 10k
NEW YORK — Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco has been fined $10,000 by the NFL for a uniform violation. The colorful Cincinnati wideout was fined for wearing the wrong colored chin strap (black).
Also fined $10,000 was Tennessee Titans safety Chris Hope for roughing-the-passer against New England in a 59-0 loss.
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