Despite Abuse Allegations, Ex-Raiders Coach Kiffin Riffin' Positives About Cable

November 3, 2009 1:55 p.m. EST

Oakland, CA (AHN) - Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable avoided charges after an alleged altercation with a former assistant coach, though abuse accusations from his ex-wife and a former girlfriend have arose.

Despite this, Cable still has a small pool of supporters - most visible of which is Lane Kiffin, another Raiders coach that attracted controversy like a magnet.

Kiffin went on record saying that if Cable had ever struck a woman, it would surprise him. He said he had worked with Cable for a year and a half, and had a very positive experience with him.

Cable has admitted to striking his ex-wife with an open hand in a statement, though said that the altercation happened more than 20 years ago, and that he had never repeated his error.

The team released a companion statement, saying they will begin investigations immediately.

"We wish to be clear that we do not in any way condone or accept actions such as those alleged," the statement read.

As far as Cable's concerned, he expects to be with the Raiders through the season. Despite this, the hard truth is the Raiders are 2-6 and sport the worst offense in football.

And the silence from owner Al Davis' box is deafening.

One thing the statement did add, in regard to Cable: "There have been occasions on which we have dismissed Raider employees for having engaged in inappropriate conduct."

Whether or not they are simply covering bases, or laying groundwork for Cable's eventual dismissal, is anyone's guess.