Anthony Morrow Apologizes to Bulls Fans for Asking for Derrick Rose's Old Number

"

Nooo disrespect to the fans here in chicago! Had I known y'all felt like this about number 1 I swear I wouldn't have chose it. I apologize

— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) February 25, 2017"

Anthony Morrow declared his intentions to change jersey numbers after Chicago Bulls fans reacted negatively to him receiving Derrick Rose's old number.

Acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, the shooting guard faced a social-media outcry from Bulls supporters who were angry someone besides Rose would don the No. 1.

Morrow said he didn't realize the number assigned to him once belonged to Rose, and he swore to switch to another numeral:

"

I'm getting it changed asap. D Rose is my guy always respected him and what he means to the chi! Again I apologize to the fans, love you all

— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) February 25, 2017"

Morrow also confirmed a report by Cody Westerlund of CBS Chicago that the team did not warn him of the number's past:

ESPN.com's Nick Friedell, Dwyane Wade also defended his new teammate by saying it was the club's decision to make the number available.

Rose peaked early with the Bulls, winning the 2010-11 MVP before injuries limited him to 166 games over his last five seasons in the Windy City.

After Michael Carter-Williams experienced a backlash when he asked to wear No. 1 before the 2016-17 season, the Bulls should have envisioned this reaction and at least given Morrow a heads-up.

[Anthony Morrow]