"A competent leader can get efficient service from poor troops, while on the contrary an incapable leader can demoralize the best of troops."
Tom Cable is the head coach of the Oakland Raiders football team in the NFL. You know what the NFL stands for right? As former colorful coach and even more colorful analyst, Jerry Glanville once said – “Not For Long”. If you do not follow the NFL closely, (Click Here) to read about Cable and some past behavior that may spell the end of his brief, very brief, head coaching career in the NFL. Just 2 weeks ago, authorities ruled that they would not pursue charges against Cable for allegedly striking one of his assistant coaches and breaking his jaw. Even though the assistant initially came out and said Cable did in fact punch him, he later recanted his story and authorities did not have enough evidence to pursue. Yeah – that all smells on the up and up…
It is no wonder the Raiders stink and why poor ex-New England Patriot Richard Seymour initially did not want to report there when he got traded to them at the beginning of this season. This franchise is as dysfunctional an organization you can find, not only in sports but any business or group. The reason? As in just about every case of poor performance or disarray, usually almost always comes down to leadership. The Raiders are a case study in this as owner Al Davis, who just turned 80 years old, is clearly not playing with a full deck. Combine his ego and arrogance and it is no wonder players do not want to play for him and he goes through coaches like a baby through diapers.
Tom Cable was hired right around this time last year as Davis had a public battle with then coach Lane Kiffin and promptly fired Kiffin calling him unstable and a liar among other things. Kiffin fired back and the soap opera continued. Although Cable was only named interim head coach, he was then offered the job for this season despite many former coaches like Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher, with proven track records and Super Bowl titles, were available. No way were these guys going to work for Davis. Factor in a number one draft choice in quarterback Jamarcus Russell who has failed miserably and takes no accountability for the team’s struggles and you have the makings of ineptness.
If Cable makes it through the year, I would be surprised but he will not be back next year. The Raiders are going the wrong way fast and there is not much light at the end of this tunnel (or if there is some light, it will be that of an oncoming train). As long as Al Davis is heading up this organization, it will not succeed. The only thing missing from this failure and circus atmosphere is it becoming a reality show. But the clock is still ticking so keep your eyes open as everyone loves to watch a train wreck. General John J. Pershing said it best about the Raiders in our opening quote.
