Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Dennis Rodman
Public opinion and media debates around Dennis Rodman—discover key moments of controversy.
Dennis Rodman, nicknamed "the Worm," is a retired American professional basketball player celebrated for his exceptional defensive and rebounding skills. Considered one of the greatest rebounding forwards in NBA history, he played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. Initially a small forward, he transitioned to power forward during his career, leaving a significant mark on the sport.
1993: Aborted Suicide Attempt and Reinvention
In 1993, Dennis Rodman aborted a suicide attempt and reinvented himself as a "bad boy," becoming known for controversial antics.
1994: Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Exit
In 1994, Dennis Rodman exhibited unconventional behavior including hair dyeing and a publicized affair. The Spurs bowed out in the first round of the 1994 playoffs.
1996: Wore Wedding Dress to Promote Autobiography
In 1996, Dennis Rodman wore a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad as I Wanna Be".
December 1999: Arrested for Drunk Driving
In December 1999, Dennis Rodman was arrested for drunk driving and driving without a valid driver's license.
July 2000: Guilty Plea for Drunk Driving
In July 2000, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to drunk driving and driving without a valid driver's license, receiving fines and a treatment program.
April 2004: Plead No Contest to Drunk Driving
In April 2004, Dennis Rodman pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) to drunk driving in Las Vegas, receiving a fine and home detention.
2005: Posed Naked for PETA
In 2005, Dennis Rodman posed naked for PETA's "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign.
April 30, 2008: Arrested for Domestic Violence
On April 30, 2008, Dennis Rodman was arrested following a domestic violence incident at a Los Angeles hotel.
June 24, 2008: No Contest Plea to Spousal Battery
On June 24, 2008, Dennis Rodman pleaded no contest to misdemeanor spousal battery charges, receiving probation, counseling, and community service.
January 10, 2010: Removed from Restaurant for Disruptive Behavior
On January 10, 2010, the same day that Celebrity Rehab premiered, Dennis Rodman was removed from an Orange County restaurant for disruptive behavior.
2012: Child support payment issues
In 2012, Dennis Rodman faced issues in an Orange County, California, court regarding missed child support payments, unaware that the funds he believed were being paid were being stolen by Peggy Ann Fulford.
March 2013: Visit to Vatican City During Papal Conclave
In March 2013, Dennis Rodman arrived at the Vatican City during voting in the papal conclave for the selection of a new pope; the trip was organized by an Irish gambling company.
2013: Stopped Communicating with the Rich Family
As of 2013, Dennis Rodman had stopped communicating with the Rich family after a racial slur was allegedly used.
2013: Befriended Kim Jong Un
In 2013, Dennis Rodman attracted international attention for his visits to North Korea and befriending North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
January 7, 2014: Rodman comments on Kenneth Bae's imprisonment
On January 7, 2014, Dennis Rodman made comments during a CNN interview implying that Kenneth Bae was at fault for his imprisonment, sparking controversy.
November 21, 2016: Charged in Hit and Run
On November 21, 2016, Dennis Rodman was charged with causing a hit and run accident, lying to police, and driving without a license.
2016: Fulford indicted by the FBI
In 2016, Peggy Ann Fulford was indicted by the FBI for her crimes, including stealing funds from Dennis Rodman that were intended for child support payments.
February 2017: Guilty Plea in Hit and Run Case
In February 2017, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to charges in a hit and run case, receiving probation, community service, and restitution.
January 2018: Arrested for DUI
In January 2018, Dennis Rodman was arrested for driving under the influence in Newport Beach and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges, receiving three years of probation.
February 2018: Peggy Fulford sentenced to prison
In February 2018, Peggy Ann Fulford, who had defrauded Dennis Rodman and others, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay full financial restitution to her victims.
May 2019: Accusation of Theft from Yoga Studio
In May 2019, Dennis Rodman was accused of helping steal over $3,500 worth of items from a Newport Beach yoga studio, though he disputed the account.
October 18, 2019: Charged with Misdemeanor Battery
On October 18, 2019, Dennis Rodman was charged with misdemeanor battery after slapping a man at the Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach, Florida.
