they've followed it a little so i expected them to have something on it on the website. and it's weird about kobe, when i watch him play i almost never think of the rape trial (well almost trial) and think more about how weird watching the lakers is now and how he got shaq and phil out and he has to prove he can do this on his own. the public is a forgiving and forgetting thing. now that he's not guilty, murphy's public image shoudl recuperate slowly but surely and hopefully he'll get to announce next year. plus, if he came back this year, it would almost seem like he didn't care about the trial and everything. he's an energetic, clowning around type announcer, and that wouldn't juxtapose well with the nature of this case. we need some time before accepting his humor and antics again.
In a related story, Calvin Murphy was found guilty on 9,814 counts of public indecency in Style Court. Developing ...
It would not surprise me at ALL if the Rockets waited until next season to bring Murphy back and, frankly, I would understand. The one thing you don't want is his legal problems becoming a distraction for the team and organization. However, I'd be very disappointed if they didn't ask him to return. Not guilty is not guilty.
I hope Calvin comes back. Seriously enjoyed having the guy on tv. Bring some entertainment value to the team, bring back Calvin!
This is a good point, and why I think it will be next year before he returns to the sidelines. It would be odd to see the usual Calvin on camera too soon after all this, and I don't think anyone would want to see a less-than-usual Calvin. Depending on how quickly it all blows over, next year could mean 2005, or next season.
I say, let him come back when he feels most comfortable. First of all, I doubt Van has been coveting this job... and he has trouble making it to all the road games anyways. Secondly, word from one of the producers of the Rocket's broadcasts, who works out at my gym, said that they were really after Steve "snapper" Jones, but they settled on Van when Steve couldn't get out of his contract w/ Portland (or whichever team he's with now). I doubt the Rockets are happy with their ratings (not that the announcers can impact that)... but a sense of continuity is one thing that is vastly removed from this team right now... and Calvin coming back fixes that. Also, I think getting back to some sense of NORMAL life would help Calvin immensely. He's had to suffer thru this trial, in which he openely wept every single day at court (and god know's how much away from there)... and its obviously taken its toll. He should come back, only when he's ready... and I do think it would provide some much needed therapy for the man, letting him do what he loves, and what he's excelled at for the last 15 years.
Dang, that would have been sweet! I love the "snapper". I think he brings great commentary and, just hearing his voice, brings me back to the glory days of the franchise winning playoff series.
Frankly, all I hear is him and Bill Walton bickering at each other, since they were paired as a 3 man booth from the second round on (starting with the 95 phoenix series, and ending with that ghastly 97 Jazz series). But, I'll always remember his calling out the Rockets during game 5 of the 1st round 95 Jazz series.... "I don't like the look on the Rockets bench right now... they need to wake up, because they can still win this game." And alas, they did. Anyways, its all moot.... lets steer this back to calvin.
I remember that quote from the Double Clutch video, has a "feel good" feeling to it... Anybody remember how long it took for Marv Albert to come back to broadcasting with TNT after his whole sex scandal ordeal? I believe it didnt take long, maybe a 6 months at the most?
I don't know.... but Bob Costas did do 2 NBA finals for NBC (97, 98 Bulls ones), so I think it was longer.
Sorry to bring everyone down again, but the rockets just added this to their website HOUSTON ROCKETS STATEMENT REGARDING CALVIN MURPHY “The entire Rockets organization is very happy for Calvin,” said Rockets Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Broadcasting Tad Brown. “Calvin maintained his innocence from Day One and we are pleased to see that the jury agreed. In regards to his situation with the team, we had a conversation with Calvin prior to this season detailing the need to secure Van Chancellor as analyst for this season. We remain committed to re-evaluating his situation at the end of the season regarding his future with the organization and that of the broadcast team.” ROCKETS.com
Why would we need to "secure" Van Chancellor? It isnt like any other network would want him as a broadcaster...
