Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Last month, multiple sources told TVSpy that anchor Mike Barajas had left Houston’s KRIV.  A spokesperson for the station initially refuted these rumors, saying that Barajas was merely on vacation.

Now, though, the Fox-affiliate is confirming that Barajas has exited the station.

A station spokesperson informed Houston media blogger Mike McGuff this week that “KRIV and Barajas mutually agreed to part ways.”

Barajas joined KRIV in 1986 after a stint with crosstown rival KPRC. He had been the station’s marquee evening anchor since 1992.

In the end, as McGuff points out, “anyone who knew something about the TV business could read between the lines.”

“In many regards, [TV news] is like professional sports,” Barajas told the Houston Chronicle upon leaving KRIV. “You have a limited window of opportunity, and at some point your playing days may be over. The only thing you can do is your best while you’re in the arena.”