Toyota Center witnessed the preseason opener between Derrick Rose's New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. Coincidentally, Rose needs to catch a flight 2,400 miles to Los Angeles the following day to face the woman accusing him of rape in courtroom.
Derrick Rose faced another drawback when he spoke about the case during the Houston game media conference. Thanks to journalists asking for information, Rose said that he will not settle for $21 million because he did nothing wrong. And so the court drama began because the lawyer on the opposing side cried foul for alleged violation of gag order issued by the court. Respondents to this specific case are supposed to keep mouths shut outside the courtroom.
Lawyer Waukeen McCoy laments that Derrick Rose has the upper hand because of his access to media platforms through press conferences. McCoy said that it is unfair for his client who is not as connected. However, the court declined to comment about McCoy's complaints until the whole context of Rose's statement is available. This minor legal detail could be resolved soon as the trial proper is about to begin, Chicago Tribune reported.
Meanwhile, the court resumed selection process for jury composition. Considering the sensitivity of the case, candidates were warned that they would hear narrations about profane and vulgar sexual acts. District Court Judge Michael Fitzgerald said that the core of Derrick Rose rape case is sexual act so the jury need to prepare hearing sensitive details. The plaintiff already appeared before the jury and was introduced.
To recall, Derrick Rose dated the plaintiff two years before the alleged rape happened in August 2013, Fox News reported. The plaintiff claimed that Rose and two other defendants took turns raping her at her apartment while she was under influence of liquor. Though Rose did not deny the incident, he claimed that what happened was consensual sex.
