NBA: Derrick Rose fined, back with Knicks after mystery absence against Pelicans

New York Knicks star Derrick Rose has been fined after failing to appear for the Knicks' 110-96 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden on Monday (Jan 9). PHOTO: NYTIMES

NEW YORK (AFP) - New York Knicks star Derrick Rose has been fined an unspecified amount and is back with the team following his mysterious no-show, the National Basketball Association franchise said on Tuesday.

Rose baffled team officials and fans after failing to appear for the Knicks' 110-96 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden on Monday.

"Derrick Rose has rejoined the team and has been fined. He is expected to be in uniform tomorrow in Philadelphia," the Knicks public relations department said on Twitter on Tuesday.

In brief remarks to reporters during a practice session on Tuesday, Rose said he had returned to Chicago to be with his family but did not elaborate.

"It was a family issue," Rose said. "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."

Asked why he had not responded to calls from the Knicks management, Rose replied that he needed his "space".

The 28-year-old, the 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player with the Chicago Bulls, has been effective in his first season with the Knicks.

He has averaged 17.3 points in 33 games despite missing a few earlier this season with back spasms.

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