New York Knicks' point guard Derrick Rose has been cleared of rape allegations after a jury found out that the case against him is weak. The civil case was dropped Wednesday before the Los Angeles court.
Per USA Today, the NBA superstar has been filed with a civil rape case along with two of his friends, Randall Hampton and Ryan Allen. The group allegedly assaulted Jane Doe (not her real name) on Aug. 27 while she was incapacitated in her own Los Angeles home.
Los Angeles Times reports that Rose and his friends reportedly trespassed the complainant's home and raped her after they consumed alcoholic drinks. Moreover, the complainant claimed that she was drugged by the NBA point guard and his friends.
The juror's deliberation took three long hours before they unanimously decided to free Rose from all civil charges. It was found out that Doe had been in a relationship with Rose and that the evidence found in the complainant's home trace back to 2013.
Further, one juror said that the woman failed to provide enough evidence to prove that he has been forcibly intoxicated when the allegation happened. The woman refused to undergo certain medical tests to prove her claims such as blood or hair test. Lack of physical evidence, hence, made the court overthrow the case against Rose.
The civil case was filed against the Knicks superstar two years after the alleged assault. None of the group has been found convicted of the allegation and no criminal charges were brought up as well.
Jurors of the Los Angeles court assured that the decision was not influenced by Rose's fame. Yet, jurors were seen to be having a photo session with the NBA star after the trial.
Lawyer of the complainant, Waukeen McCoy, said that the client was "devastated," however, the publication further reported that Doe only had little emotion upon learning the judge's verdict. "I just think it's a shame. I just think it's a shame for women, I think it's a shame for this country, that a celebrity can come into court and just slut-shame a plaintiff," McCoy said.
Do you think the court's decision in favor of Rose is fair? Let us know by commenting your thoughts below!