Chick Hernandez Leaving NBC Sports Washington

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified which station Hernandez worked for. He was an anchor for NBC Sports Washington.

WASHINGTON, DC -- The D.C.-area Twittersphere reacted in disbelief after longtime NBC Sports Washington anchor Chick Hernandez announced his contract was not being renewed and therefore his 17-year career at the network would be coming to an end.

Hernandez broke the news Tuesday morning, saying the network's decision gave him "profound sadness" and that "this is not my decision."

Hernandez joined what was then Comcast SportsNet back on April 4, 2001, and he first got his start in D.C. 24 years ago at Fox 5.

"I've won Emmys, heck I'm nominated for two more this year, covered the big stories, such as Maryland's national championship in 2002 and the death of Sean Taylor," he wrote. "What I will remember most about my time in our Bethesda studios are the people. The soul of our network. Crazy long hours, unbelievable creativity, turning the mundane into something memorable."

Hernandez went on to say that he is "not done yet by any means," and that he hopes to be back on the air soon in the D.C. area.

Breaking news!! After all it’s one of the many things I do. Thank you all from the bottom of this Silver Spring kid’s heart. #bummer #willworkfor$$ pic.twitter.com/qW8zfMCXnw
— Chick Hernandez (@CHICKatNBCS) June 5, 2018

The news clearly caught many locals by surprise.

Not the type of news I should be hearing. You are one of the best! God doesn’t make mistakes but companies do all the time.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) June 5, 2018

WTF? Terrible decision by NBC
— Bloke (@dcblocher) June 5, 2018

Whatttt!?!! Noooooo @NBCSWashington what is wrong with you!?
— Alex Chace (@Chakay73) June 5, 2018

Image via NBC Sports