#NBA Bulls’ Derrick Rose Fined $25K For Public Criticism of Officiating

The NBA on Tuesday afternoon fined Derrick Rose $25,000 for his public criticism of officiating following Monday’s victory over the New York Knicks.

It’s the first league-issued fine of Rose’s four-year career.

“I could care less right now,” Rose said late Monday, when asked if he feared a fine.

Rose didn’t address reporters following Tuesday’s practice, which he sat out because of general soreness.

Coach Tom Thibodeau addressed Rose’s comments, which came on the heels of Rose attempting nine free throws on 29 shots and complaining often during the game.

“He’s not a complainer,” Thibodeau said. “Usually if he says something, he has a point he wants to make. He was driving the ball pretty hard and didn’t get calls. So he wanted to make a point.

“He’s a hard guy to officiate. Because of his speed and power, you don’t recognize when he is being hit. He’ll play through things and he doesn’t say very much. But he was frustrated so he made his point.

“He’s very respectful about making his points. I don’t think he ever is at a point where he shows somebody up. When he has something to say, he says it.”

Rose didn’t attempt a free throw during the first quarter despite several drives to the basket.

“I gotta be the only superstar in the league that’s going through what I’m going through right now,” Rose said late Monday. “But I can’t say too much about it.”

The NBA had the last word on Tuesday.

WRITTEN BY K.C. Johnson, Tribune reporter - kcjohnson@tribune.com & FULL STORYHERE