New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose was cleared of rape charges on Wednesday, Oct. 19, by a jury in a civil lawsuit.
The lawsuit accused Rose and two of his friends of gang raping Rose’s ex-girlfriend in August 2013 when she was incapacitated from drugs or alcohol. The woman was asking for $21.5 million when she filed the suit and her lawyers called Rose and his friends “sexual deviants” and said that they conspired to rape her after she was drunk and incapable of consenting to sex, according to the Associated Press. Defense lawyers, however, called the woman a liar who tried to sway jurors by crying to get at Rose’s fortune. Ultimately, the eight-member jury found the athlete and his friends not liable of rape.
"I am thankful that the jury understood and agreed with me," Rose said in a statement. "This experience and my sensitivity to it was deep. I am ready to put this behind me and focus on my family and career."
After the verdict was reached Rose and his attorney posed for pictures with members of the jury.
Don't see this every day. @drose and atty posing with giddy jurors after verdict. #DoevRose pic.twitter.com/hbmxnPnyf6
— Joel Rubin (@joelrubin) October 19, 2016
Rose was traded to the Knicks this offseason after being with the Chicago Bulls for seven seasons. He is in the final year of a five year, $21.3 million contract. He has averaged 19.7points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists in his career.
People reacted via Twitter to Rose being cleared and those reactions were mixed.
I want to side with the prosecution on Derrick rose cuz of what he and his lawyers did but the evidence wasn't there IMO.
— Shane (@ShaneKyle) October 19, 2016
Very happy for Derrick Rose, her story sounded like a lie from the beginning.
— GBRFatz (@PapaFatzz) October 19, 2016
I'm glad Derrick Rose came thru mane ....they always wanna stop a rich black man
— JAY ???? (@ancrum_jordan) October 19, 2016
Derrick Rose is a joke.
— Jara Montez (@jaramontez) October 19, 2016
Derrick rose still a rapist. Thats still a thing
— Hispanic @ the disco (@Passwrd_isTaco) October 19, 2016
So y'all hate Derrick Rose now?
— 2002 Chris Jericho (@SlickVick_23) October 19, 2016
Derrick Rose found NOT guilty!
— ????Westbr????k???? (@SG360Flimz) October 19, 2016
But what if.... Derrick Rose is actually innocent? pic.twitter.com/Z0kpkPprlQ
— Merce (@Merce_33) October 19, 2016
Derrick rose ain't no damn rapist ???????????? these hoes would really try to ruin someone's name for some damn money lmaooo https://t.co/wE48GSVdBq
— c (@CliffKing_) October 19, 2016
I read the police reports and evidence that was brought to trial. Derrick Rose should be in prison.
— Black Sailor Moon (@melodicsunchild) October 19, 2016
Derrick Rose 1 Thots 0
— Active Zone (@activenew24) October 19, 2016
Derrick Rose got off. Saw that one coming
— Shanise (@Royal_Flyness) October 19, 2016
Josh Brown and Derrick Rose are a disgrace. Sad to see ppl think D Rose is innocent just cuz his charges got dropped...he paid her $21M off
— Nick Mattioli (@nmattioli12) October 19, 2016
Derrick rose has to be the dumbest athlete ever, right?
— Jeff (@EpicJeffTime) October 19, 2016
Derrick rose is not a rapist you're all idiots ????????
— lil t vert (@takirahhhh) October 19, 2016
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