Derrick Rose denies allegations he sexually assaulted ex-girlfriend

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose on Thursday denied allegations that he sexually assaulted an ex-girlfriend in Aug. 2013, saying in a statement that he is innocent.

“I am just focusing on staying healthy and getting ready for the season,” Rose said in the statement. “I am not going to comment other than to say – I know the truth, and am confident I will be proven innocent.”

“The plaintiff's allegations are completely false and without any factual basis,” Rose's representative Lisa Cohen said in a statement. “This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to shake down a highly respected and successful athlete."