HOUSTON, March 31 (UPI) -- Former Houston Rockets basketball star Calvin Murphy tearfully proclaimed his innocence Wednesday after hearing charges he molested some of his children.
Murphy, an NBA Hall of Famer, faces charges by five of his daughters that he fondled and performed oral sex on them when they were 6 to 13 years of age, the Houston Chronicle reported.
"It was horrific to hear the charges presented," Murphy said in an emotional appearance before reporters after his court appearance.
Murphy, 55, took leave from his job as a Rockets' television commentator after the charges were made Monday.
A grand jury has yet to decide whether to indict Murphy.
Murphy and his attorney, Rusty Hardin, have suggested that the daughters have made up the allegations. Three of them claim Murphy took $60,000 in retirement money left by their mother, the attorney said.
Murphy has 14 children and Hardin hinted that some of the other children will support their father.
