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 former professional basketball player celebrated for his exceptional rebounding and defensive skills. Often considered one of the best rebounding forwards in NBA history, Rodman played for several prominent teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. He transitioned from small forward to power forward during his career, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1987: Playoff Feud with Dennis Johnson

In 1987, during the playoffs, Dennis Rodman feuded with Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, taunting him in the closing seconds of a game. The Pistons ultimately lost the series to the Celtics.

1993: Rodman's Reinvention

In 1993, Dennis Rodman aborted a suicide attempt and reinvented himself as a "bad boy", becoming notorious for numerous controversial antics.

1993: Rodman Joins Spurs and Wins Rebounding Title

In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, playing as a power forward alongside David Robinson. He won his third straight rebounding title, averaging 17.3 rebounds per game, and was named to the All-Defensive Team. He also began displaying unconventional behavior, such as dyeing his hair in various colors.

1994: Rodman's Clashes with Spurs and Rebounding Title

In 1994, Dennis Rodman clashed with the Spurs front office, resulting in suspensions and a leave of absence. Despite missing games due to a motorcycle accident, he managed to win his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and made the All-NBA Team.

1994: Rodman's Unconventional Behavior and Spurs' Playoff Exit

In 1994, while with the Spurs, Dennis Rodman displayed unconventional behavior, including dyeing his hair and having a publicized affair with Madonna. Despite the Spurs winning 55 games, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Utah Jazz.

March 16, 1996: Rodman Headbutts Referee and Receives Suspension

On March 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman headbutted referee Ted Bernhardt during a game in New Jersey, resulting in a six-game suspension and a $20,000 fine. The punishment was considered too lenient by the local press.

1996: Rodman Promotes Autobiography in a Wedding Dress

In 1996, Dennis Rodman gained publicity by wearing a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad As I Wanna Be", claiming he was marrying himself.

1996: Autobiography Release and Wedding Dress

In 1996, Dennis Rodman wore a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad as I Wanna Be".

January 15, 1997: Rodman Kicks Cameraman, Receives Suspension

On January 15, 1997, Dennis Rodman kicked cameraman Eugene Amos during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, resulting in an 11-game suspension and a $200,000 settlement to Amos. Rodman effectively lost $1 million due to the suspension.

1998: Rodman's Wrestling Stint and Bulls' Championship

In 1998, during the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Dennis Rodman left his team before Game Four to go wrestling with Hulk Hogan, resulting in a $20,000 fine. Despite this, the Bulls won their third title in a row, with Rodman playing a key role on the court.

1999: Rodman Signed by Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, Dennis Rodman was signed by the Dallas Mavericks. While averaging 14.3 rebounds per game, his erratic behavior alienated the franchise.

2000: Rodman's Time with the Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, Dennis Rodman played for the Dallas Mavericks. His erratic behavior alienated the team, and he was eventually waived.

2002: Arrest for Interfering with Police

In 2002, Dennis Rodman was arrested for interfering with police investigating a code violation at a restaurant he owned; the charges were eventually dropped.

2003: Arrested for Domestic Violence

In early 2003, Dennis Rodman was arrested and charged with domestic violence at his home in Newport Beach for allegedly assaulting his then-fiancée.

April 2004: Drunk Driving Arrest

In April 2004, Dennis Rodman pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) to drunk driving in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was fined $1,000 and ordered to serve 30 days of home detention.

April 30, 2008: Arrest for Domestic Violence Incident

On April 30, 2008, Dennis Rodman was arrested following a domestic violence incident at a Los Angeles hotel.

June 24, 2008: Plea of No Contest to Spousal Battery Charges

On June 24, 2008, Dennis Rodman again pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor spousal battery charges. He received three years of probation and was ordered to undergo one year of domestic violence counseling as well as 45 hours of community service.

2012: Child-support payments issue

In 2012 Dennis Rodman was left trying to explain the missed child-support payments in an Orange County, California court, due to professional scam artist Peggy Ann Fulford stealing funds Rodman believed were being distributed as child-support payments he owed to his first wife.

July 2013: Statement about Nobel Peace Prize

In July 2013, Dennis Rodman told Sports Illustrated: "My mission is to break the ice between hostile countries. Why it's been left to me to smooth things over, I don't know. Dennis Rodman, of all people. Keeping us safe is really not my job; it's the black guy's [Obama's] job. But I'll tell you this: If I don't finish in the top three for the next Nobel Peace Prize, something's seriously wrong."

2013: Estrangement from Rich Family

As of 2013, Dennis Rodman had stopped communicating with the Rich family after Byrne's mother allegedly referred to Rodman as a "nigger".

2013: Befriending Kim Jong Un

In 2013, Dennis Rodman attracted international attention for his visits to North Korea and his subsequent befriending of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

January 7, 2014: CNN Interview and Comments on Kenneth Bae

On January 7, 2014, Dennis Rodman made comments during a CNN interview implying that Kenneth Bae was at fault for his imprisonment. The remarks provoked criticism.

November 21, 2016: Charged in Hit and Run Accident

On November 21, 2016, Dennis Rodman was charged with causing a hit and run accident, lying to police, and driving without a license following an incident on Interstate 5 near Santa Ana, California, in July.

2016: Fulford Indicted by the FBI

In 2016 Peggy Ann Fulford was indicted by the FBI for stealing funds, that included money that Dennis Rodman believed were being distributed as child-support payments he owed to his first wife.

February 2017: Guilty Plea and Sentencing

In February 2017, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to charges related to a hit and run accident. He was sentenced to three years of probation and 30 hours of community service, also ordered to pay restitution and donate $500 to the Victim Witness Emergency Fund.

2017: Speculation about Government Involvement in North Korea Visit

In 2017, The Washington Post raised the question of whether President Donald Trump sent Dennis Rodman on his 2017 visit to negotiate the release of several American prisoners of North Korea or to open a back channel for diplomatic communications. The U.S. State Department, White House officials, and Rodman all denied any official government involvement in the visit.

January 2018: Arrested for DUI

In January 2018, Dennis Rodman was arrested for driving under the influence in Newport Beach, California. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges and received three years of probation.

February 2018: Fulford Sentenced to Prison

In February 2018, professional scam artist Peggy Ann Fulford, who stole $1.24 million from Dennis Rodman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to provide full financial restitution to her victims.

May 2019: Accusation of Stealing from Yoga Studio

In May 2019, the Los Angeles Times reported that Newport Beach yoga studio owner Ali Shah accused Dennis Rodman of helping steal over $3,500 worth of items from the studio's reception area, including a 400 lb decorative geode. Rodman disputed the account. No charges had been filed at the time of reporting.

October 18, 2019: Misdemeanor Battery Charge

On October 18, 2019, Dennis Rodman was charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly slapping a man at the Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach, Florida.