http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1888076 Associated Press HOUSTON -- NBA Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy, facing a trial on charges of sexually abusing five of his daughters more than 10 years ago, will not broadcast Houston Rockets games this season. The Rockets have not ruled out Murphy returning as a broadcaster next season if he's cleared of all charges, Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis said Friday. His trial is set for Nov. 4. "No contract has been terminated," Luis said. "He's on paid indefinite leave for the rest of this season pending the outcome of his trial. The understanding has been to revisit this and see where we are once it's done." Murphy, who has 14 children by nine women, was on leave from his TV job after the charges initially were made March 29. Murphy, 55, was indicted July 1 and named in six counts -- three of aggravated sexual assault and three of indecency with a child. He remains free on $20,000 bond and has insisted he is innocent, contending the allegations stem from a family dispute over money. In announcing that Murphy would not work as a broadcaster this season, Tad Brown, the team's senior vice president of sales, marketing and broadcasting, said it was "a decision based on the best interests of all parties." "Calvin has had a long relationship with the Rockets and we feel that his energies need to be focused on dealing with his legal matters," Brown said in a statement. Murphy played for the Rockets from 1970-83 and worked as a TV analyst for the club for the past 14 seasons. "We appreciate all that he has done during his years as a player and broadcaster for the organization," Brown said. If convicted, Murphy faces five years to life in prison for the aggravated offenses and two to 20 years for the indecency violations. He could be eligible for probation because he does not have a criminal history. During his tenure with the team, he made nearly 90 percent of his free throws, including 78 straight in one stretch during the 1980-81 season when he set a record single-season percentage of .958. The 5-foot-9 Murphy averaged 17.9 points and shot 89.2 percent from the line during his NBA career. He scored 17,949 points, a franchise high until Hakeem Olajuwon surpassed the total.
Excellent. I hope he's found innocent, and can return next season to remake the best pair of NBA team broadcasters in the business.
How does this proof Les is cheap (I agree he is cheap, but not in this case)? Any organization would have done the same thing, atleast they haven't terminated the contract. I hope everything works out for Calvin and he comes back next season.
It is probably cheaper to pay the contract then to deal with the inevitable lawsuit for "wrongful termination" that would come otherwise.
You know, they don't find you innocent, they find you not guilty. Which actually isn't exactly the same. But that's the lawyer in me talking. Anyway, I hope: 1. He IS innocent; 2. He is found not guilty, or the charges are dropped; and 3. He returns to the seat next to Bill soon.
I agree with the second part of your post. I just happen to think that if someone is found "not guilty," then they are innocent. Unless I know differently, because I was involved in the case. I have never understood the idea that someone can be sued in civil court, for a crime that they were found innocent of in a criminal court. But I'm not an attorney.
I love Murph too and will miss him. I wish him back as soon as possible. He has to be the most embracable Rocket in the Hall of Fame. I think all that he has done for the orginization, the city, the fans, and the kids should outweigh the embarassment a fraudulant charge. I hope the organization can agree with me on this.
A little off topic, but why do sports writers feel the need to put players stats at the end of any artical, even if the story has nothing to do with sports?
