Derrick Rose’s sexual assault case has been a messy situation. The New York Knicks point guard has repeatedly denied allegations while claiming that the accuser consented to sexual relations. His lawyers have claimed that they have evidence in the form of text messages proving just that.
Yesterday, the court ordered the accuser, previously known by the alias Jane Doe, to reveal her name in order for the case to be heard. But tucked into that same declaration was an ultimatum for Rose, as well.
Rose is no longer allowed to use language that “shames or blames rape victims” as his camp has done throughout this process:
Whoa. The Judge warns Derrick Rose to stop shaming or blaming victims of rape or he will consider sanctions.https://t.co/34DJxR7MFJ pic.twitter.com/y7or8dNSCS
— Dan Werly (@WerlySportsLaw) September 22, 2016
Derrick Rose and his camp have repeatedly mentioned that the accuser had come on to him previously. They have used that logic to effectively diminish her credibility. However, that is clearly no way to prove that rape did not occur.
Obviously, this is a very fluid situation and one that is very serious in nature. We do not know all the facts, but this is an important step in attaining them. Rather than attacking the credibility of the accuser, Rose will have to face trial, set for October 4, to prove he is innocent.
