Facing trial, Murphy out as Rockets TV analyst

ESPN:NBA News - Facing trial, Murphy out as Rockets TV analyst:

Rockets searching for replacement for Murphy

HOUSTON -- NBA Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy, facing trial on charges of sexually abusing five of his daughters more than 10 years ago, has been dismissed as the Houston Rockets' television analyst.

NBA Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy, facing trial on charges of sexually abusing five of his daughters more than 10 years ago, has been dismissed as the Houston Rockets' television analyst.

"This was a decision based on the best interests of all parties," Tad Brown, Rockets senior vice president of sales, marketing and broadcasting, said Friday. "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."

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 battle over money.

Murphy was a guard on the Rockets from 1970 to 1983 and worked as TV analyst for the club for the past 14 seasons.

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Conviction could get him five years to life in prison for the aggravated offenses and two to 20 years for the indecency violations. He also could be eligible for probation because he does not have a criminal history.

Murphy, who averaged 17.9 points during his NBA career, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame 11 years ago and the Rockets retired his jersey number.