Rose missed game to be with family in Chicago, apologizes to team

Without going into specifics about why he was absent for his team's game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose did provide some answers when questioned by the media following practice on Tuesday.

"There was a family issue. For one, it had nothing to do with the team or basketball. That's the first time I ever felt like that emotionally, and I had to be with my family," Rose said.

As far as not messaging the Knicks to keep them in the loop as far as why he had to leave, Rose explained that he prioritized getting to his mother and family, according to Newsday's Al Iannazzone. Rose said he was able to communicate with Knicks officials late Monday night and early Tuesday morning.

"Things happen. Of course, that's not the person that I am. I explained to my teammates that I didn't want any distractions to the team, especially with what we have going on right now," Rose added. "I apologized to them earlier, letting them know that it will never happen again.

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"This wasn't me. This has never happened to me before. I explained that to the team and the front office."

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The Knicks fined Rose an undisclosed amount for his actions, but did not elect to suspend him. He's expected to be in uniform when the team hits the road to take on the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday.

Head coach Jeff Hornacek went as far as saying that if Rose is in the right mental state, he will be reinserted into the starting lineup.