National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Derrick Rose Doesn't See A Settlement

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose has been accused of orchestrating and taking part in a gang rape. He doesn’t plan on agreeing to a settlement.

The New York Knicks have a black cloud hanging over their heads entering the 2016-17 NBA season. Starting point guard Derrick Rose is currently embroiled in legal issues that are both disturbing in their nature and impeding his availability.

With the first court date set for Tuesday, October 4, Rose opened up on his expectations for the trial.

Rose, 28, has been accused of gang raping an ex-lover whose anonymity is being protected prior to the trial. He’s maintained that he, “Feels like [he] didn’t do anything wrong.”

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Rose doesn’t plan to agree to an out-of-court settlement with the plaintiff.

That’s an absolutely vital development in this case.

If Rose doesn’t settle with the accuser out of court, then he’d be making a significant statement. He’d be trusting the legal process to exonerate him, which is a gamble given the accumulation of evidence.

It’s also a sign that he believes that this is nothing more than a money-grab from a heartbroken ex-lover.

If it’s proven that Rose did commit this act, however, he could face a harsh financial punishment. For those unfamiliar, Rose is currently facing a civil suit and not criminal prosecution.

In a civil suit, less evidence is needed for a judge to determine a degree of guilt.

Rose is maintaining that he did nothing wrong, but his phrasing is going to come under fire. He’s claiming that he feels like he did nothing wrong, which will likely be construed as his saying that he did it, but doesn’t feel as though it was wrong to do.

The question is: will Rose avoid legal ramifications altogether or will he be facing a penalty?

The judicial system, NBA, and New York Knicks will all be monitoring this case closely.