The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed it is investigating sexual abuse allegations involving New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose, according to a court filing obtained Monday.
In a letter lodged in Los Angeles federal court Sunday as part of a lawsuit against Rose, LAPD Detective Nadine Hernandez wrote that it was a "misconception'' that the department "does not have a current criminal investigation'' pending that names the basketball star and two other men.
The letter is addressed to Brandon Anand, a lawyer representing plaintiff "Jane Doe,'' the woman who alleges Rose and his friends drugged and raped her in 2013 at a party in Beverly Hills.
The defendants contend the sex was consensual.
U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald previously ruled that the woman's name will be revealed after a jury is sworn.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled Thursday, when Anand is expected to ask the judge to reconsider the ruling and keep the woman's identity secret for her own safety throughout the trial, which is set to begin Oct. 4.
Hernandez wrote that the woman's identity would remain confidential, as far as the LAPD is concerned, as the police probe continues.
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"The ability to offer anonymity to victims of sex crimes is an invaluable investigative aid to investigators as well as a great comfort to victims of crimes of such a sensitive nature," Hernandez wrote.
According to the suit, filed in August 2015, the plaintiff alleges Rose and his friends slipped a drug into her drink before sexually assaulting her.
Speaking at Knicks media day Monday, Rose, 27, said he had not been aware of the LAPD investigation, and denied any wrongdoing.
"I'm innocent. I felt like I didn't do anything wrong,'' he said.
He also said he could miss time with the team during the trial of the civil case.
