Rockets head coach Rudy Tomjanovich said today he would step down from his position as the most successful leader of Houston's NBA franchise.

Tomjanovich's comments came at a late afternoon news conference at the West Side Tennis Club, where the Rockets practice.

A tearful Tomjanovich -- known affectionately to his players and fans as Rudy T. -- had to pause several times during his comments to compose himself. At one point, Rockets owner Leslie Alexander took over the presentation.