Derrick Rose suffered an orbital fracture after he was elbowed in the face during his team’s first training camp practice, and current reports on the health scare say he is considering early retirement which could cost him a whooping $80 million of endorsement from Adidas.
Rose underwent surgery in September and is said to be re-evaluating his NBA future while away from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A spokesperson for the team confirmed his prolonged absence is excused.
Although the three-time NBA All-Star has just one year on his contract with LeBron James’ team, he still has a total of seven seasons left on his $185 million contract with Adidas. The deal was extended in 2012.
Image: Derrick Rose
Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg said after the horrific accident that Rose was still in great spirits, adding that the light-skinned player did not suffer a structural injury. However, it has turned to be a huge setback.
“When he comes back ready to go he should be able to go right back into it 100 percent — which, if you have something going on with one of your other body parts, it’s going to be you gradually get back,” Fred admitted.
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According to a report from ESPN on the point guard’s contract with Adidas, the prestigious footwear and clothing company is strict with its absolutely protected endorsement deals, and terms on its exit clauses are unchangeable.
If the basketball star opts out of his current contract through early retirement, he will ultimately forfeit payment for the remaining part of their agreement.
Although Rose has lost league prominence in recent years, Adidas still honors its contractual obligation to produce and market DRose signature sneakers annually, having entered into agreement with the player since 2012, shortly after he was crowned the youngest MVP in league history (2011).
Rose has been wearing his DRose 8 model this season.
“It is with great excitement and honor that we extend our partnership with Derrick Rose,” an Adidas executive said at that time.
“He is an invaluable partner whose commitment to the community, humility and exciting play on the court is a perfect match for the Adidas brand.”
Rose remarkably led the Memphis Tigers to their most wins in NCAA history, a 38-2 record. The successful outing was their first No. 1 ranking in 25 years, and an appearance in the NCAA Championship game.
He has missed 11 of the Cavs’ 18 games this season, including another 7 he also skipped after sustaining a sprained left ankle.
“He’s tired of being hurt, and it’s taking a toll on him mentally,” a close source to the hoopster told ESPN.
The sports news outlet quoted his teammate Dwyane Wade as saying, “I have experienced such setbacks in my career. He’s not the first unlucky player to have considered early retirement.
“It’s very painful…especially when you have high expectations for yourself as a player, you’re used to playing a certain level and a certain way, and every time you feel good and you think you’re back, something else happens and something else happens and something else happens…then it becomes more about playing.
“This heartbreaking reality affects the game…It takes away anyone’s love for the sport a little bit and when that’s the reason you play, then it suddenly spirals to the money…your health…your feelings…and it eventually becomes really challenging.
“I bet many people don’t understand this,” he added.
Rose joined the team during Cav’s 116-88 win in Detroit last Monday but he was not featured.
Coach Tyronn Lue spoke ahead of their Friday night’s 100-99 triumph against the Charlotte Hornets and explained that Rose is battling a serious personal issue, however, adding that he’s not expecting the Illinois Mr. Basketball (2007) back in action so soon.
“…Rose is a highly talented basketball player. Everyone saw his skills, pace, vision and energy in action during the Washington game earlier this year when he scored 20, even in the previous year,” Lue said.
