LOS ANGELES -- Jurors cleared NBA star Derrick Rose and two friends Wednesday in a lawsuit that accused them of gang raping his ex-girlfriend when she was incapacitated from drugs or alcohol.
The jury reached the verdict in federal court in Los Angeles after hearing dramatically different accounts of the August 2013 sexual encounter.
Rose says he's thankful that the jury rejected the lawsuit.
He said in a statement to The Associated Press that it was important to prove he did not do what he was accused of, even though he had to share private details of his personal life.
"I am thankful that the jury understood and agreed with me," his statement said. "This experience and my sensitivity to it was deep. I am ready to put this behind me and focus on my family and career."
Neither side denied the three men had sex with the woman, but the issue was whether she consented or was too intoxicated to do so.
Defense lawyers tarred the woman as a liar who tried to sway jurors through her tears to get at Rose's fortune. They claimed she was angry he had dumped her and she set him up and brought the lawsuit in hopes of a big payoff (see full story).
NBA
Hornets: Williams out with broken finger
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Hornets forward Marvin Williams will miss the remainder of the preseason with a non-displaced fracture of his left middle finger.
The Hornets said Wednesday that Williams will be reevaluated next week.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford says there is a good chance Williams will be available for the team's regular season opener on Oct. 26 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Pistons: Baynes has surgery on broken nose
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes has had surgery to repair a broken nose.
Baynes was ruled out for Wednesday night's preseason game against the Toronto Raptors. With a protective mask, he is expected to be available to play when Detroit opens the regular season next week at Toronto.
Baynes broke his nose in Tuesday's practice and had surgery the same day.
The 6-foot-10 Australian played in the Olympics last summer. He averaged 6.3 points and 4.7 rebounds last season, his first with the Pistons after three with the San Antonio Spurs.