What if Cable Did It?

By Jon McClanahan aka Raider Jon | Tuesday, August 18, 2009 | ( 19 )

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Randy Hanson, after visiting the hospital for soreness in his jaw, was forced to speak with authorities on the matter. When asked, he said that he had a physical altercation with another member of the Raiders staff. Reports around the world are pointing their collective fingers to Head Coach Tom Cable as the man responsible (the chants of "Cable, Bumaye!" by the players doesn't help matters). So what if Cable did sock Hanson in the jaw? What is next for the Oakland Raiders?

According to the NFL Personal Conduct Policy, "all persons involved in the NFL are required to avoid conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League. This requirement applies to players, coaches, owners, game officials and any other member privileged to work for the NFL ... Persons who fail to live up to the standard of conduct are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline.

The PCP goes on to say:

"Discipline may be imposed in any of the following circumstances:
Criminal offenses including, but not limited to, those involving the use or threat of violence...violent or threatening behavior between employees whether it be in or outside the workplace."

So, what discipline could Cable be facing?

"Upon learning of conduct that may give rise to discipline, the NFLPA will conduct an investigation which may interviews and gathering information from medical, law enforcement, and any other relevant professionals. The NFLPA will inform the league of any investigation and their findings. As appropriate, the employee will also have an opportunity, represented by council and/or a union official, to address the conduct at issue. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the commissioner will have full authority to impose discipline as warranted ...

Discipline may take the form of fines, suspension, or banishment from the league and may include a probationary period and conditions that must be met prior to or following reinstatement."

So, where does all of this leave the Raiders hanging?

Hanson has yet to point fingers, and chants from the Raider team is hardly evidence for Commissioner Goodell to mount an investigation. Until that happens, I would say that things are as Cable said "going to be dealt with internally."

However, if Goodell does find a way to attempt to investigate the team, I have a feeling he will find his investigation coming to a brick wall in a hurry. The Raiders are notorious for keeping internal information ... well, internal. Anyone who would offer information resulting in the Raiders having to go forward without Cable for any number of games could find themselves disciplined by Al Davis himself - though the reason for dismissal would have absolutely nothing to do with their cooperation.

The fact is, we may never know anything more than just what we've learned in these last 24 hours about the matter. We may get a full confession from owner Al Davis on what transpired. That's how funny things are with the Raiders at times.

But just to give some Raider fans a bit of relief, if Cable is investigated and found guilty, it is a first offense and he may be fined or suspended for a couple of games. Though he may be suspended, know that he will be on the phone somewhere making his presence known.

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Comments: 19 | Sign Up View all comments


	No.1 RaiderCraig	12:07 AM 08/19/2009

	You know the NFL will do their best to try and find the dirt. However the Raiders are notorious for stonewalling and not...


	No.2 neil b	07:18 AM 08/19/2009

	I don't think anything will happen.Hanson is silver and black he's not going to bad mouth the Raiders.Even if he's pressed for an...


	No.3 svduran1	09:18 AM 08/19/2009

	I'm hoping he isn't a slow healer like Crabtree and can actually get healthy. This is exactly the type of thing that can nag a...