Chicago Bulls embattled superstar Derrick Rose knew he'd be a hot commodity in Toronto before his team plays the Raptors tonight. So hot that he had no choice but to comment about his recent and troubling comments.
According to CBS Sports, Rose said he could not understand why his comments this past Tuesday became such a big deal.
"It comes with the territory," he said. "I know that. I've been there ever since I've been in the NBA. But, as far as everything that comes along with my story, missing two years, of course this is going to happen. So I'm not worried about it, as long as I'm being myself."
In case you missed it, Rose has been crucified over the past 48 hours because of comments he made this past Tuesday regarding his not playing in recent games:
"I know a lot of people get mad when they see me sit out. But I think a lot of people don't understand that when I sit out it's not because of this year. I'm thinking about long-term. I'm thinking about after I'm done with basketball, having graduations to go to, having meetings to go to. I don't want to be in my meetings all sore or be at my son's graduation all sore just because of something I did in the past. Just learning and being smart," according to the Chicago Tribune.
For onlookers, the topic is a very sticky and sensitive situation. The 26-year-old was drafted number-one overall in the 2008 NBA Draft and enjoyed immediate success, namely being named league MVP in his third season.
Since then, he's been more of a story for missing games rather than on-court success. Fans, the Chicago organization and media members alike have all questioned his mere desire to play the game of basketball.
Rose also said that it does bother him "to a certain degree" that many have questioned his desire to play the game.
Chicago is set to tip-off against the Raptors on Thursday night at 8 pm ET, with or without Rose.