Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose responded himself Thursday to allegations from a woman filed in civil court this week, accusing him of sexual assault and gang rape. Rose toldthe Chicago Tribune "I am just focusing on staying healthy and getting ready for the season. I am not going to comment other than to say: I know the truth, and am confident I will be proven innocent."

A spokesperson for Rose called the allegations "outrageous" on Wednesday night after TMZ first reported the suit.

The alleged incidents occurred in 2013 according to court documents reported on by Sporting News. The woman is seeking a money judgment for lost wages and mental anguish.

>>Cavs' Kyrie Irving Could Be Out Until January

LeBron James may be excited to play with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love next season, but he could have to wait until January before the three are together on the court. According to Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, the Cavs are being cautious bringing Irving back from his knee injury and he may not even play until January.

Multiple league sources say his rehabilitation is going smoothly, but that the chances are slim of him being in the opening-night lineup against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 27. One source said he could very well be unavailable up until January.

When the three-time All-Star underwent surgery in early June, his recovery time was set at 3-4 months. Assuming he is sidelined outside of that four-month window, the thinking is that it would have everything to do with the Cavaliers being patient and cautious rather than the injury not healing.

The Cavaliers want to bring him back slowly without risking a setback, with the goal of being at full strength entering the playoffs.

January may sound like a long time away but it is basically only two months into the season. With the very realistic possibility of making a return trip to the NBA Finals, the Cavs will need Irving more in the later part of the season and the playoffs than the beginning. The addition of Mo Williams should help the Cavs during Irving's absence and James could also become a point forward to help orchestrate Cleveland's offense.

Although it may seem extreme of the Cavs to hold Irving past his estimated recovery time, there is nothing wrong with being cautious. Especially when it involves someone like Irving who is an integral part of the team and vital to Cleveland's success in the big picture.

>>Former NBA Star Darryl Dawkins Dies At 58

Darryl Dawkins, who spent the bulk of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, has died at the age of 58, according to his family.

Dawkins played for four teams during his 14-year NBA career, making a name for himself with backboard-shattering dunks and a larger-than-life personality. Most recently, Dawkins was coaching basketball at Lehigh Carbon Community College, but he has always stayed close to the NBA, acting as an ambassador for the game and appearing at league events.

The legend of Dawkins, who averaged 12 points and 6.1 points for the Sixers, Nets, Jazz and Pistons, took off when he became a backboard-wrecking machine in the mid-70s.