DeMarcus Cousins: I Wasn’t ‘Taking A Shot’ At Derrick Rose With Comment
By Phil Watson
Nov 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) watches from the free throw line in the first half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Kings defeated the Suns 113-106. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins found himself embroiled in a little bit of a controversy on Wednesday stemming from a commend he made on a postgame interview Tuesday night.
Cousins sat out Tuesday’s 97-95 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder because of a sprained ankle and afterward, when asked if he would play Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers, Cousins said: (h/t ESPNChicago.com)
"“Probably not, think I’ll be out rest of the season and I can get a comeback commercial,” Cousins was quoted as telling Sacramento TV station KXTV-ABC."
It appeared to be a reference to Derrick Rose’s famous (or infamous) adidas campaign chronicling his comeback from ACL surgery in 2012. However, Rose didn’t come back at all last season, returning to start the 2013-14 season instead.
Cousins took to Twitter to clarify the comment:
Let me clear this up now! In no way shape or form was I taking a shot at drose! Stop trying to make a story!!!
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) December 4, 2013
For what it’s worth, Sean Cunningham of KXTV also stood behind Cousins that the remark was a joke in passing, not a slam on another player:
I never saw last night's attempt at humor from DeMarcus Cousins as a slam on Derrick Rose. That's certainly not right. Its an ankle sprain
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 4, 2013
Unfortunately the joke was said after a simple question in passing in the locker room, not in an interview setting. And keep this in mind...
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 4, 2013
Cousins had only missed 3 games in his career due to injury. Meaning the ankle sprain is very minor and he likely wouldnt miss Fri.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 4, 2013
I guess jokes aren't as funny when you have to explain them
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 4, 2013
I feel really bad that DeMarcus Cousins is being accused of slamming Derrick Rose. I dont think anyone who heard him say it took it that way
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 4, 2013
Call this one a product of the times in which we live. I have yet to see Derrick Rose actually say anything about Cousins’ remarks. Rather, it’s a lot of other people who appear to have gotten various articles of undergarments uncomfortably twisted about what Cousins said.
We the many, getting righteously indignant about insignificant things that have no actual outcome in our own lives. Welcome to the 21st century.