Derrick Rose acknowledges tension with the Chicago Bulls

There have long been rumors that there was tension between Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. Now, the 2011 NBA MVP is addressing those rumors and speaking on the not-so-great relationship he has had in the past with the team.

From Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times:

"“I know it’s been there,’’ Rose told the Sun-Times, acknowledging there has been growing tension between the organization and the Rose camp. “I heard there were some upset people.“I’m happy I didn’t personally see it. I don’t want to see that. I kind of wonder where it was coming from because it seemed like whenever I was around, everything was all right. It bothered me because when I wasn’t around, I would hear from certain people that everything wasn’t all right.’’"

Cowley notes that the relationship is rocky in part because of Rose’s camp being allowed to “take shots at the franchise” and Rose’s unwillingness to help recruit star players such as Carmelo Anthony to the Bulls.

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During the Bulls’ pursuit of Anthony, Rose did not want to work out in front of the New York Knicks star (though he did) and he did not show up to an organizational dinner with Anthony, which led to problems.

"Three days later, ESPN reported Rose was an innocent bystander to the entire Anthony visit.“We knew where that story came from,’’ a Bulls source said.The assumption was that Rose’s camp knew how angry the organization was over Rose’s lack of involvement during the Anthony visit, so it went on the offensive before the Bulls could."

Cowley mentions other examples of Bulls-Rose problems, but according to Rose those are in the past and the two parties are moving forward together in a positive manner.

"“This is a new beginning for everybody. We’ve got a new practice facility, a new year where I’m coming back, and we have some great talent. It’s time to turn the page and move in a positive direction.’’"