NBA

Derrick Rose ‘not worried’ about allegations, LAPD investigation

Mike Coppinger, USA TODAY
Derrick Rose speaks during a news conference for the New York Knicks to announce they acquired him from the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden in New York.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Derrick Rose sat at the dais in his New York Knicks No. 25 jersey with a smile on his face. 

The high-profile offseason pickup knew what was coming from reporters in attendance Monday at New York Knicks Media Day, and he didn't shy away from questions. He appeared carefree, even.

The point guard said he's “not worried” about the sexual abuse allegations, pending civil lawsuit (set to go to trial on Oct. 4) or the Monday revelation from the Los Angeles Police Department that there is an investigation into the matter. 

“I haven’t talked to anyone (from the LAPD) and this is my first time hearing about (the investigation),” Rose, a former Chicago Bulls No. 1 overall pick, said on the eve of Knicks training camp. “Once again, I’m not worried about it. I feel like I haven’t done anything wrong.

“ … I can’t think about the case that I feel like I’m innocent in. I feel like I didn’t do anything wrong. And I can’t let that distract me from the year that I have ahead of me.”

The Knicks acquired Rose to shore up the team’s long-troubled point-guard spot, but the former Rookie of the Year didn’t have many basketball-related questions to field Monday. His summer has been dominated by headlines regarding the alleged sexual assault.

Phil Jackson pressed on Rose issue

The plaintiff alleges that Rose and two of his friends sexually assaulted her in August 2013 while she was incapacitated. 

But Rose insists the case hasn’t consumed him. That he even was able to enjoy a summer trip to Puerto Rico with team leader Carmelo Anthony.

"I've been handling it pretty good, I think," Rose said. "I haven't been thinking about it. I've been thinking about the team more than anything — how I gel with the team. I'm getting used to the players and just getting used to the organization.

" ... But as far as the trial, it's something I can't think about it. I'm sure I will be proven innocent. I haven’t really been thinking about it. I’m letting my team handle it.”

The 27-year-old was asked if he envisions the case being settled before the Oct. 4 trial date. Rose seemed slightly confused by the question.

“All these legal terms and all that, this is my first time ever being in the system,” he said. “Trials and all that, I hear about it … but my concern is just playing well this year.

“ … The (legal) team that I have, that’s why I have them. To handle this type of case where I feel like they’re doing a good job.”

His legal team has fought to reveal the name of his accuser, a request that was granted by a Los Angeles judge last week. USA TODAY Sports does not usually identify sexual assault victims.

“They’re handling everything,” Rose continued. “They’re giving me time to focus on what I need to focus on. And that’s basketball.”

Rape accuser's attorney: Derrick Rose said he doesn't understand consent

With training camp set to commence Tuesday at West Point, N.Y. – home of the United States Military Academy – and the preseason opener slated for Oct. 4 in Houston (the same day the trial starts), it’s likely Rose will miss the game unless there’s a settlement. 

And that time will be valuable for a player being counted on to rejuvenate his career and the Knicks franchise in the process. There's also the LAPD investigation looming over Rose's head.

"I'm not worried about it, but if I do have to miss time, it's a part of it,” Rose said. “Of course, I don't want to be in this position, but it is what it is. I'll let my lawyers, I'll let my team handle it."

Follow Mike Coppinger on Twitter @MikeCoppinger