ESPN: Cable Will Finish Contract

Saturday, January 23, 2010

By Adam Schefter
ESPN

After weeks of speculation and deliberation, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis has decided to retain Tom Cable as head coach for the 2010 season, a source close to the situation told ESPN on Saturday.

Cable will fulfill the final year of his contract with the Raiders, the source said. The Raiders denied the report on Saturday, saying the evaluation process is still ongoing.

When contacted, Raiders spokesman John Herrera did not confirm that Cable would remain coach for the 2010 season, saying only that, despite meetings into the night the past two days, no decision has been reached.

Cable had one year remaining on his contract. But after meeting with Cable again this week, Davis made a decision that will be popular among players by keeping his head coach in place, the source said.

Cable had widespread support throughout the players in the Raiders locker room.

But his return does not mean changes will not be made. Oakland will tinker with its assistant coaches. It did so Friday when it brought back defensive line coach Mike Waufle.

Cable’s return continues what has been an offseaon of stability for head coaches. Many thought Cleveland could dismiss Eric Mangini, Jacksonville could dismiss Jack Del Rio, Dallas could dismiss Wade Phillips and Oakland could dismiss Cable.

Part of this is due to the financial uncertainty surrounding 2011, a year in which players said they are preparing to be locked out. With so much uncertainty, NFL owners are opting for stability with their coaches.

Adam Schefter is an NFL reporter for ESPN Insider.

Zach and Justin Announced as 2009 Award Winners

2009 Commitment to Excellence Awards
Raymond J. Tioseco

Posted Jan 4, 2010

TE Zach Miller and RB Justin Fargas earn Commitment to Excellence Award

TE Zach Miller (80) and RB Justin Fargas were honored prior to the 2009 Regular Season finale Sunday, January 3, 2010. Photo by Tony Gonzales.

RB Justin Fargas and TE Zach Miller are the co-recipients of the 2009 Commitment to Excellence Award. An on-field presentation took place during pregame ceremonies prior to this past Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Recipients of the award, who are chosen by their teammates, exemplify throughout the season pride, poise and excellence and show leadership not only on the field but in the community as well.

The first two winners of the Commitment to Excellence Award were Jim Otto and Daryle Lamonica and over the years have included such greats as Fred Biletnikoff, Willie Brown, Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, and Nnamdi Asomugha.

For Fargas, this marks the third time in a row he has received the award and further solidifies his place in Silver and Black history. “I was actually pretty surprised, but it is an honor to be elected by my teammates,” Fargas explained.

On the field this season, Fargas has split time at running back with RBs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden to form a dangerous backfield. Starting four games this year, Fargas ran for 491 yards with three touchdowns and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. He also finished with 17 receptions for 113 yards.

Fargas has also been a huge presence in the locker room assuming a leadership role for not only the offense but for the team as a whole. “As you get older or been with the team for so long, a little bit of that responsibility comes with it as far as being a leader and a guy other guys can look to,” Fargas said.

That leadership was truly displayed during the thrilling come-from-behind 20-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at the Coliseum.

In the locker room prior to kickoff, Fargas reminded the team of their fallen teammate and dedicated the effort to Marquis Cooper yelling out “Ninety-five on three.”

“He’s not here anymore,” Fargas said to his teammates. “A lot of people don’t know Marquis (Cooper). He loved this game. He can’t play this game anymore. He’s not coming back. His family is here today. His mom, wife, and daughter are here trying to hold on to a little piece of what’s left.”

Now with the season coming to a close, Fargas now reminds his teammates to hold onto the positives from the season and build on it for next year.

“As a team we need to take with us this offseason the positive things that we did. Hold on to that and build on that and take it into next year,” Fargas explained. “We have a lot of good things going on. We figured out a lot of things this year and it should help us for next year.”

For TE Zach Miller winning the award for the first time marks an accomplishment he has wanted since he joined the team three years ago. “It’s great. It has been something I’ve been striving for and one of the awards I have wanted to win since I became a Raider,” Miller said.

Throughout his career Miller has tried to lead his teammates by example, letting his effort do the talking for him. “I feel like I am a leader by example. I am not a big talker but I try to set a precedent and set an example, especially for the younger guys, with the way I work and the way I study,” Miller said.

Miller led the team in receptions and receiving yards in 2009 and he is now receiving national attention being named a Pro Bowl first alternate for the AFC team. “As soon as I made it to the NFL, it was one of my first goals to make it to a Pro Bowl. It would be something great to play in. Just to be an alternate is a great honor,” Miller said.

The 8th Annual Commitment to Excellence Awards Dinner and Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Hilton – Oakland Airport. Call 650.428.0810 for more information.