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

NOW president Terry O'Neill praised the Raiders in a statement 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 at various times 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 in a phone interview. "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's 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 yesterday 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."

Noteworthy

 

* Indianapolis starting cornerback Marlin Jackson tore his ACL on the final play of practice Wednesday and will be out for the season, a team source told ESPN. He is expected to have surgery next week.

* Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck fully participated in practice a day after sitting out to give his broken ribs a rest. The Seahawks host Detroit on Sunday.

* St. Louis coach Steve Spagnuolo said he is sticking with Marc Bulger despite the fact that he has thrown just three touchdown passes for the 1-7 Rams and has a passer rating of 68.2. Bulger's backup is Kyle Boller.

* Washington defensive coordinator Greg Blache broke his media silence to defend owner Dan Snyder.

Blache said he was moved to speak after reading comments made by Hall of Fame running back John Riggins, who called Snyder a "bad guy" whose "heart is dark" in an interview for Showtime's "Inside the NFL."

"That's totally, totally untrue," Blache said.

In other news, the Redskins will use their fourth punter this season when they play Atlanta on Sunday.

Hunter Smith's right groin injury is acting up again, so the Redskins plan to sign former Dallas punter Sam Paulescu today.

* A jury has convicted 33-year-old Tyrone Hartsfield of attempted murder in the shooting of former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Richard Collier.

Hartsfield faces up to life in prison. The jury will now be asked to determine if he was also guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Collier watched much of the closing arguments while seated in his wheelchair in the courtroom gallery. He was shot six times as he waited in his car outside a Jacksonville apartment house last year. Collier was paralyzed and his left leg was amputated.