Derrick Rose Expected to Speak to Media On Monday

Earlier this season, Derrick Rose committed an even bigger error. Rose’s comments regarding his mindset towards his long-term basketball career struck a nerve with many Bulls fans.

"“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. [I’m] just learning and being smart.”"

TNT commentator Charles Barkley shamelessly revealed the problem with Rose’s comments.

"“There are consequences to what we do for a living. We got the best life in the world. I’m a poor black kid from Leeds, Alabama who grew up in the projects — and listen, I don’t mind limping around because when I go home, there’s a big ol’ house. I got good sheets — I don’t know the thread count, but they’re good. I got a big ol’ car. I never have to worry about my bills. There are pros and cons to what we do for a living. Derrick Rose is making $20 million a year. He got a couple bad knees. That’s disrespectful to maids, people who are in the army who go out and kill people and get killed. They got no arms and no legs. As much as I like Derrick Rose, that is just flat-out stupid.”"

Derrick Rose can’t afford to say something stupid in his press conference tomorrow. He isn’t a great speaker, and it has shown in some of his responses in the past. That is why it is imperative for the Bulls to issue a highly qualified public relations professional to guide Rose through tomorrow’s process. At this point in time, Derrick Rose and the Bulls organization should be experts on dealing with Rose injuries. Things should run smoothly and mistakes shouldn’t be made.

Feb 23, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) drives around defender Milwaukee Bucks guard Jerryd Bayless (19) during the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Rose needs to tell reporters exactly what fans want to hear. He needs to say that rehabilitation is going well, and that he is on schedule to return. He needs to emphasize the fact that he can’t wait until he is back on the basketball court and that he is doing everything in his power to speed up the process as much as possible. In this instance, lying is acceptable. Rose needs to ooze confidence in this interview for the sake of his reputation.

Just, for the love of all things good, don’t give any indication that a return may not happen. It is good material for reporters, but makes the organization and himself look really bad.

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