Rose makes light of reported fight

Rose makes light of reported fight
Incident 'was nothing,' star guard declares
By Ronald Tillery
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Friday, May 30, 2008

ORLANDO -- Derrick Rose says he's a facilitator, not a fighter.

After speaking Thursday about his draft status at the NBA's Pre-Draft Camp, Rose denied reports that he was involved in a mid-April altercation with a University of Memphis football player, Steven Black.

"It was nothing," the former Tigers point guard said with a sheepish grin. "That wasn't about anything."

CBSSports.com first described an incident that reportedly kept Rose from conducting a news conference to announce his decision to turn pro. The item alleged that Rose and Black fought over a female classmate and Rose wasn't seriously injured.

Rose announced his leap to the NBA through a Memphis sports information department news release.

Asked if he was involved in a physical altercation with anyone before leaving Memphis, Rose flatly said "no."

The 6-3 guard is projected to go first or second in the June 26 draft.

Rose described his life as "crazy" since the Tigers lost in the NCAA national championship game to Kansas.

Rose said that while he took the loss hard, he hasn't had much time to pine over the game because of a busy schedule traveling.

"I'm just ready for this (draft) to be over," he said, "so I can get back to playing basketball."

-- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353