By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- 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 that 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 Thursday 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."

The NOW statement was first reported by USA Today.