Houston Rockets Reporter Calvin Watkins Let Go by ESPN

Due to financial issues, ESPN is firing over 100 of its employees, and Houston Rockets beat reporter Calvin Watkins is among the unlucky few.

NBA Twitter has been a wreck today, with several beloved figures losing their jobs with ESPN. The biggest sports outlet in the world is losing money, and they’re firing some writers and on-air talent to keep up. Calvin Watkins, who has covered the Houston Rockets for years, received the fateful phone call.

After seven great years at ESPN I've been let go. Much respect to all the people.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) April 26, 2017

Watkins has earned the love of Houstonians over the past few years, and especially as of late. He was one of the only Rockets reporters with an MVP vote this season, and he used his power for good. In other words, he voted for James Harden.

In response to the news, Rockets Twitter has been expressing its sympathy all afternoon. The overall consensus is that the fans don’t want Watkins to have his media pass revoked, citing his consistently solid work.

Do me a favor @dmorey and don't scrap @calvinwatkins media pass. He keeps me informed. Keep him around some how, some way.

— BDK (@HennySpiffNBA) April 26, 2017

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Even if Watkins does have to move on from covering the Houston Rockets (which is likely), he’ll be able to find a new job quickly. He’s been nothing but professional throughout his time in Houston. Having read nearly everything he’s written over the past few years, I’m confident someone will make a great hire before too long.

Other notable NBA personalities who have gotten fired today include Ethan Strauss, Jay Crawford, and Ed Werder. You can find the full list here. Best of luck to all the folks affected by ESPN’s layoffs.

If you want to give Calvin Watkins a follow on Twitter, you can here.

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As for the Houston Rockets, they’ll move on without Watkins to report on their postseason success. The secound round of the playoffs start next week, and they’ve got lots of work to do before then.