Rockets fire digital communications manager in wake of Mavericks tweet

The Houston Rockets have parted ways with digital communications manager Chad Shanks in the wake of a tweet he sent from the team's account depicting a gun pointed toward a horse that resembled the Mavericks' mascot

The Houston Rockets have parted ways with digital communications manager Chad Shanks in the wake of a tweet he sent from the team's account depicting a gun pointed toward a horse that resembled the Mavericks' mascot.

Earlier Wednesday, the Houston Rockets apologized to the Dallas Mavericks for the tweet, which was sent during the closing minutes of Tuesday night's Game 5.

The Rockets posted an emoji image on their Twitter account during the game of a pistol next to a horse with the suggestion that Dallas’ run in the playoffs was coming to an end.

Houston beat Dallas 103-94, ending the series in five games and advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals.

The Rockets will play the winner of the San Antonio Spurs-Los Angeles Clippers series. San Antonio leads that best-of-seven series three games to two. 

Shanks tweeted an apology on Wednesday and asked for a second chance as a social media employee at another organization, according to Fieldhouse Media. 

Houston Rockets fire their Digital Communications Manager after controversial tweet sent last night. #SMsports pic.twitter.com/VUrvsQu4ea

— Fieldhouse Media (@fieldhousemedia) April 29, 2015

After the Mavericks responded to the tweet, the Rockets apologized and deleted the original tweet, which was left posted for about 30 minutes.

• MAHONEY: Rockets prove too much for Mavs, head to second round

@HoustonRockets Not very classy but we still wish you guys the best of luck in the next round.

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) April 29, 2015

- Scooby Axson