Derrick Rose Says Rest Is About Post-Basketball Life, Not Late Season Health

Irrational detractors of Derrick Rose will love this. Speaking to reporters about his penchant for sitting out games with minor injuries or nagging pains, the Chicago Bulls superstar said he does so with an eye on a post-playing future.

From ESPN Chicago’s excellent Bulls reporter Nick Friedell:

That isn’t what the vast majority of fans want to hear from a man making approximately $19 million a year to play a game.

But athletes aren’t products or even warriors. Like those of us with more typical occupations, they should be allowed to see the light of retirement and act accordingly – even if that somewhat effects their time on the job. Life is bigger than work, and Rose is allowed to think so, too.

But that admission flies in the face of Chicago’s company line that such extreme caution with Rose’s playing schedule is about long-term basketball reasons. Reality is that it’s a combination of the two – the team wanting to ensure Rose’s health come spring and Rose wanting to ensure health when his playing career is over. Still, this will only make the collective cries of a loud, if small, contingent of Bulls fans that already believe Rose is selfish even stronger.

We sit firmly on the other side. It’s brave of Rose to be so honest; we wish more athletes in his position would as forthright.

What do you think about Rose’s reason for rest?

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