Another rumor regarding a high-profile NBA player to Europe has been quashed, and this one comes with an admonishment to the gossipmongers from the club in question.
Though defending Croatian champions/current Euroleague team KK Zagreb was reportedly interested in bringing over Derrick Rose (at least until the player lockout is concluded), some “misinformation” was rapidly disseminated through the blogosphere to the effect that a deal had been completed and Rose’s arrival was imminent.
The reports were based on comments made to Croatia-based outlet Vecernji List by Zagreb sports director Hrvoje Ciketić who possibly misstated his case, let his enthusiasm run away with him, and/or was the victim of some bad translation and/or misquotes. Reportage of Zagreb’s ostensible move stated the club “refused to sign last-year’s NBA regular season MVP Derrick Rose after they reached an agreement on money amount” and that, since Rose “could not play first three Euroleague games due to his advertising obligations[, KK Zagreb] refused him.”
In any case, KK Zagreb officials (specifically club media director Damir Klekar) wish to make three things clear: Rose will not be suiting up for the team, the team did not reject Rose’s wishes to play in Croatia, and that certain people should be ashamed.
Official press release runs below.
Derrick Rose is not rejected by BC Zagreb, BC Zagreb wanted Derrick Rose!
After some media reports with inaccurate information that the BC Zagreb refused to sign Derrick Rose were published, we are obliged to respond to such misinformation.
The truth is that the Basketball club Zagreb *wanted to hire* Derrick Rose for twenty games in the 2011/12 season, until the end of the NBA lockout. Therefore the club’s sports director Hrvoje Ciketić came in contact with his agents.
He began the negotiations which were brought, after months of agreeing, close to the finalization. However, BC Zagreb could not end the negotiations and the agreement has not been reached.
Before the start of the current season, BC Zagreb received bids for the involvement of 32 NBA players, but there was not a bid for Derrick Rose. The idea of bringing Derrick Rose was initiated from BC Zagreb. We are disappointed that we didn’t finish the negotiations and engagement of Derrick Rose.
We are very sad because some clumsy and freely translated quotes taken from an interview with our club’s sports director Hrvoje Ciketić (published in Vecernji List) were shamelessly transformed into a lie. We apologize to Derrick Rose, his agent and everyone who might feel hurt. We also believe that all of those who passed this misinformation should do the same.
