This NBA playoffs there is zero conversation surrounding Derrick Rose. Quite the contrast from last year at this time, when Derrick Rose was the most polarizing figure in the city of Chicago and probably the state of Illinois. The absolutely disastrous manner in which Derrick Rose and his handlers managed his rehabilitation and return made him public enemy #1.
But like Ayn Rand said “indifference, not hate is the opposite of love.” Yet here we are in ’14 and Derrick Rose is pretty much an after-thought.
Even though Derrick Rose is an afterthought, he’s still the most popular athlete in the state of Illinois; according to a study. After all, he’s not Jay Cutler. Cutty you love to hate, Derrick Rose you either love or hate.
Here’s an explanation from the study’s author, Andrew Powell-Morse:
which players are the most popular? Using Google search volume data, the chart above illustrates the most searched-for athletes in each of the 50 States.
LeBron James dominates the competition, showing up as the most searched athlete in 23/50 states. Next in line is Peyton Manning who claims seven states, then Adrian Peterson and Tom Brady who tie for 3rd with four states. Andrew Wiggins (two states) and Johnny Manziel (one state) are the only athletes to win at least one state despite technically not having made the transition to professional sports yet. Tiger Woods (one state) is the only athlete on the map who doesn’t play one of the “Big Four” North American sports.
Take a look at all the charts and maps here, you’ll see Derrick Rose as the 4th most popular athlete in the United States.
Paul M. Banks owns The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also a frequent guest on national talk radio. Banks is a former contributor to NBC Chicago and the Washington Times, who’s been featured on the History Channel. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)