NFL could punish Raiders coach Cable

Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable will be subject to NFL discipline if he is implicated by police in their investigation of an alleged assault on an assistant coach.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday in Boston at the NFL owners meeting that workplace violence is specifically identified in the league's personal conduct policy, and if Cable is charged with any crimes, he could be punished by the NFL.

Goodell expects to receive a report "in the next couple weeks" on the Napa, Calif., police investigation, which is in the hands of the district attorney. He said the league is "allowing the criminal process to go forward for some period of time" before potentially getting involved.

The meetings began with Goodell delivering a report in which he emphasized the strong TV ratings the NFL has attracted through five weeks. Asked if the economic downturn actually has helped the NFL's popularity, Goodell said it was "one of the theories because we continue to be available on free television and fans are able to gather around the TV set."

But will they be able to do so in 2011? The owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement with the players last year and if a new one is not reached, a labor stoppage is possible that year.

Plus, next season would have no salary cap, a situation Goodell reiterated the owners are preparing for.

Around the league: Junior Seau, a 12-time Pro Bowl player, is back with the New England Patriots, coming out of retirement for a third time to sign a contract Tuesday for a 20th season as an NFL linebacker. ... The Baltimore Ravens have signed former Super Bowl hero David Tyree, who played in 73 games with the New York Giants before being cut last month. Tyree made one of the most memorable catches in Super Bowl history in 2008 against the New England Patriots, pulling down a 32-yard pass on a third-and-five by trapping the ball against his helmet. The reception kept alive a drive that resulted in the game-winning touchdown. ... ... Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith has a right shoulder injury that coach Mike Tomlin said "potentially could be significant." ... Miami Dolphins reserve running back Patrick Cobbs will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee.