Tomjanovich, Rockets set to part ways

Rockets owner Les Alexander announces Tomjanovich will not return to Houston
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The announcement comes less than an hour after a report was released that Tomjanovich and Rocket power forward Charles Barkley were involved in a heated argument after a practice session.

Tomjanovich

"We regret to inform that coach Rudy will not be back with the team. This is his decision and his alone", said Rockets owner Les Alexander. "We are losing one of the finest of his profession."

"I love this city. It's been great to me for more than 30 years." said an emotional Tomjanovich. "But right now I think this is for the best."

Barkley, who has not played in the last 14 games due to a hip injury, declined comment on the announcement. It is not known for sure exactly what transpired between coach and player, but Hakeem Olajuwon did comment on the incident.

"It's been going on for a few days. It's a shame, a real miscommunication."

Tomjanovich, who has been involved with the Rockets his entire career and led them as head coach to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, is a fan favorite in the city. He will also no doubt be a hot commodity on the coaching market, and could command the highest salary of any coach.

Barkley

It is already being rumored that he will surface in Vancouver to replace head coach Stu Jackson, who would prefer to move back up to the front office. His name is also being linked to Washington and Philadelphia.

Alexander would not rule out the possibility of Tomjanovich returning. "We are still hoping he will return, but as of now, Rudy's decision is final."

According to some members of the team, Barkley was "angry" with Tomjanovich over constant barbs of the Rockets knocking out Barkley's previous Suns teams. In both 1994 and 1995, the Phoenix Suns were knocked out of the playoffs by the Rockets.

The news of Tomjanovichs' departure at the end of the season came as a shock to many of the players.

"If Rudy's not coming back, there's no sense in me even playing this year anymore" said Clyde Drexler, "I mean, summer is right around the corner and barbecue business is good."

"I'm going to go beat Clutch upside the head" said Mario Elie and close friend of the coach. "He must have had something to do with it." Kevin Willis actually started to cry and said he was heading to the weight room to "work out some frustration."

Tomjanovich still plans on fulfilling his contract for this season and making a run at the title. The Rockets are 48-23 and are getting back to top form.

"We'll take a good crack at it this year and then go our seperate ways." said Rudy, "I mean why not?"

"We can still beat the Jazz' ass."