Former NBA star Calvin Murphy indicted

[MavsFanFinley]

Former NBA star Calvin Murphy indicted

By KRISTEN HAYS, Associated Press Writer

July 1, 2004

HOUSTON (AP) -- NBA Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy was indicted Thursday on six counts of sexually abusing five of his daughters more than 10 years ago.

The former Houston Rockets star, who is on leave from his job as an analyst on Rockets telecasts, also was arraigned on three counts of aggravated sexual assault and three counts of indecency with a child, Assistant District Attorney Lance Long said.

``Calvin adamantly insists that he is innocent of these charges and is anxious to present his side to a jury at trial,'' Murphy's lawyer Rusty Hardin said.

Hardin said the indictment was expected and ``it is important for everyone to remember that the grand jury has not heard from Calvin nor many witnesses on his behalf that insist these allegations are absolutely untrue.''

Murphy initially was charged March 29 after five daughters accused him of sexually abusing them between 1988-1991, when they ranged in age from 6 to 13. Murphy, 55, has contended the allegations stem from a family battle over money, an explanation Long has dismissed.

He remains free on $20,000 bail. If convicted, Murphy could receive 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, a guard for the Rockets from 1970-83, has 14 children by nine women.

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. During that year, in 215 free throw attempts, he missed only nine.

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.

[Drbio]

Don't I recall someone posting a really good article refuting these charges back when this story broke? I can't find it. Seems like I remember reading about the duaghters trying to extort Calvin for some money ro somesuch.

[MavsFanFinley]

I think the article you're looking for is in this thread:

Articles/comments

[Drbio]

Yes m'am...that was it. Thank you.