Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf is denying a report of a rift between Derrick Rose's "camp" and the team.
The Chicago Sun-Times posted a story Thursday outlining growing tension between Rose's management team -- particularly his brother Reggie and agent B.J. Armstrong -- and Bulls brass.
The report says the Bulls were upset over "shots" Rose's camp took at management, going all the way back to February 2013 when Reggie Rose criticized them for not making moves to help the team at the trading deadline.
More recently, the newspaper cites Bulls sources as saying that Rose had to be coaxed to even speak to Carmelo Anthony when the free agent visited to Chicago, and were "irate" he didn't attend a dinner to help woo him.
Reinsdorf issued a statement Thursday denying there's any bad blood between the two sides.
"I am confounded by the irresponsible report in the Chicago Sun-Times suggesting there is anything approaching discord or confusion between the Bulls executive office, coaching staff, and Derrick Rose or any other Bulls player. To the contrary, I can remember no time when the organization has been any more focused, optimistic, and cohesive. I've got to assume suggestions otherwise are intended to undermine the goals and objectives, spirit, and reputation of the Chicago Bulls. I am deeply disappointed that unnamed sources and totally inaccurate statements and assumptions can be used to foment nonexistent friction. The report is totally without basis or fact. It is pure malicious fiction." -- Jerry Reinsdorf
In the Sun-Times story, Rose is quoted as being aware that there's been tension and "happy I didn’t personally see it."
