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LAPD is actively investigating Derrick Rose over sexual assault allegations

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A Los Angeles Police Department detective confirmed last week that New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose is the subject of an active criminal investigation over sexual assault allegations raised against Rose and two friends by a woman who says the three men gang-raped her in 2013. The woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Rose and the two other men over the incident, and that trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 4.

Rose said Monday at Knicks media day that he isn’t worried about a rape trial set to start next week because he feels he “didn’t do anything wrong.”

LAPD Detective Nadine Hernandez confirmed the existence of the investigation in a letter dated Sept. 22 to Brandon Anand, the lawyer who is representing the woman in her civil lawsuit. Last week, the judge presiding over the lawsuit ruled that the woman will not be allowed to maintain her anonymity during the trial. Anand is asking the judge to reconsider that ruling and will use the LAPD letter as one reason why, pointing out that the LAPD has no plans to release the woman’s name during the investigation.

“When filing the crime report, the victim in this case exercised her right to confidentiality as outlined in California Penal Code section 293.5. (a),” Hernandez wrote to Anand. “Her identity will continue to remain confidential throughout the criminal investigation being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department.

“The ability to offer anonymity to victims of sex crimes is an invaluable investigative aid to investigators as well as a great comfort to victims of crimes of such a sensitive nature.”

As noted by Think Progress, Rose’s attorney had previously alleged that Anand was lying about an active criminal investigation “in order to extort a settlement from Rose.”

“My concern is just playing well this year,” Rose said. “I can’t think about the case. I feel like I’m innocent and I feel like I didn’t do anything wrong, like I said, and I can’t let that distract me with the year that I have ahead of me.”

“I’m not worried about it, but if I do have to miss time, it’s a part of it,” Rose said. “Of course I don’t want to be in this position, but it is what it is and I’m going to let my lawyers and my team handle it.”

The Knicks acquired Rose from the Bulls in June. The point guard said he is healthy after a series of injuries, mostly to his knees, that have plagued him since his MVP season in 2011.

Rose averaged 16.4 points in 66 games last season, and most of the games he missed were unrelated to his knees.

The Chicago native has been focused on learning a new city and team, traveling with a group of Knicks players to practice in Puerto Rico at Anthony’s invitation. Having to miss time in October would delay his ability to get comfortable.

A settlement would prevent that, but Rose didn’t discuss that possibility, praising his legal team for taking care of the details.

“They’re handling everything and they’re giving me time to focus on what I need to focus on and that’s just straight basketball,” Rose said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report