Around the NFL

Raiders will evaluate allegations against Cable

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders will undertake a "serious evaluation" of allegations that coach Tom Cable has a history of violent behaviour toward women.

The team released a statement in response to allegations made to ESPN by Cable's first wife, Sandy Cable, and former girlfriend, Marie Lutz, that the coach physically abused them at various times during their relationships.

Cable acknowledged striking Sandy Cable with an open hand in a statement Sunday. Cable said the altercation happened more than 20 years ago and was the only time he's ever touched a woman inappropriately. He stood by that statement Monday, declining to answer any questions on the topic.

This is the second allegation against Cable accusing him of violence. Former defensive assistant Randy Hanson accused Cable of assaulting him and breaking his jaw during training camp. The Napa County district attorney declined to file charges in that matter late last month.

Chiefs reduce suspension

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs, apparently fearful of losing in arbitration, agreed Monday to cut Larry Johnson's suspension in half for making gay slurs.

The agreement saved the running back about US$315,000. The Chiefs issued a terse announcement saying they had made the settlement in conjunction with the NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association. Originally, they suspended the former two-time Pro Bowler two weeks, which would have cost him about $630,000.

He will still miss the game at Jacksonville this week and not participate in team activities until Nov. 9. The Chiefs had said the suspension was for conduct detrimental to the team.

Boldin hopes to play

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin hopes to play at Chicago this week despite re-aggravating a right ankle sprain.

Boldin re-injured his ankle in the third quarter of a 34-21 loss to Carolina on Sunday. He left the game and did not return.

"If I'm able to run, I'm going to play football," Boldin said on Monday.

A more mature Young?

NASHVILLE -- Vince Young says the year of watching Kerry Collins from the bench helped him grow and mature. One stat from his first start since the beginning of the 2008 season appears to back that up.

It was his first NFL game without being sacked or intercepted.

Young helped the Titans (1-6) win their first game of 2009, a 30-13 rout of Jacksonville on Sunday that snapped an eight-game skid dating back to Dec. 21.

Now the 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year, the quarterback repeatedly called Tennessee's future at the position, has the final nine games to show how much he's really grown and whether he's worth keeping past this season. Young currently is slated to count US$14.2 million against Tennessee's salary cap in 2010 with a $4.25 million roster bonus due in March.

Owner Bud Adams wanted Young starting so the Titans could see what the quarterback could do.

"We've got to find out how he's developed over the last two years," Adams said.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 3, 2009 C5