Possible Arrest Of Cable Hangs Over Raiders' Heads

October 5, 2009 9:56 a.m. EST

Oakland, CA (AHN) - Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable may be facing arrest on assault charges in relation to an alleged attack on an assistant coach earlier this season.

If criminal charges are brought to bear against Cable, he will find himself suspended by the Commissioner's office until the conclusion of legalities.

Investigators in the Napa Valley region are not currently commenting, but an attorney representing assistant coach Randy Hanson said he may file charges for his broken jaw.

The alleged assault happened on August 5, during the Raiders training camp - the lawyer ominously eluded that this was a textbook case of felony assault.

The Raiders are planning for the worst, and making critical decisions as to who will replace Cable, should he be arrested. According to inside sources, defensive coordinator John Marshall has the nod.

The San Francisco Chronicle has reported that owner Al Davis may very well just fire Cable, regardless how his legal troubles iron out.

It's not enough that the franchise has to contend with their punishing 29-6 loss the Houston Texans dealt them Sunday - this may prove a distraction they cannot afford.