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 as one of the NBA's best rebounding forwards. 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, gaining recognition for his exceptional defensive and rebounding skills.

Sections (6)

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

February 1993: Suicidal Thoughts

In February 1993, Dennis Rodman drove to The Palace of Auburn Hills late one night carrying a loaded rifle in his truck, debating whether or not he wanted to continue living, an event later described in his biography.

1993: Suicide Attempt and Reinvention

In 1993, after aborting a suicide attempt, Dennis Rodman reinvented himself as a "bad boy", becoming known for controversial antics.

1994: Rodman's Clashes with Spurs Front Office

During the 1994 season, Dennis Rodman clashed with the San Antonio Spurs front office. He was suspended multiple times and suffered a shoulder separation in a motorcycle accident. Despite playing only 49 games, Rodman secured his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and made the All-NBA Team.

1994: Rodman's Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Exit

In 1994, Dennis Rodman displayed unconventional behavior, including dyeing his hair in various colors and having an affair with Madonna. During the season, Rodman headbutted Stacey King and John Stockton, refused to leave the court after being ejected. The Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the 1994 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.

1996: Rodman Wears Wedding Dress to Promote Autobiography

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

1996: Autobiography Promotion

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

Bad as I Wanna Be

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January 15, 1997: Rodman Kicks Cameraman, Faces Suspension

On January 15, 1997, during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dennis Rodman kicked cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin after tripping over him. Rodman was suspended for 11 games without pay and paid Amos a $200,000 settlement.

1998: Rodman Wins Seventh Rebounding Title and Another NBA Championship

In 1998, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title with 15.0 rebounds per game. Before Game Four of the 1998 NBA Finals, Rodman left the team to go wrestling with Hulk Hogan, resulting in a $20,000 fine. The Chicago Bulls won their third title in a row, with Rodman securing his fifth NBA ring.

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. However, the charges were eventually dropped.

2003: Arrest 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. He was fined $1,000 and ordered to serve 30 days of home detention.

April 30, 2008: Arrest Following Domestic Violence Incident

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 Charges

On June 24, 2008, Dennis Rodman pleaded no contest to 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 Payment Issue

In 2012, Dennis Rodman was left trying to explain missed child support payments in an Orange County, California, court due to funds being stolen by Peggy Ann Fulford.

2013: Falling out with Rich Family

As of 2013, Dennis Rodman had stopped communicating with the Rich family.

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: Controversial CNN Interview

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

November 21, 2016: Hit and Run Charges

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 FBI

In 2016, Peggy Ann Fulford, who stole funds from Dennis Rodman intended for child support payments, was indicted by the FBI.

February 2017: Guilty Plea and Sentencing for Hit and Run

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

January 2018: Arrest for Driving Under the Influence

In January 2018, Dennis Rodman was arrested for driving under the influence in Newport Beach. 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 pay full financial restitution to her victims.

May 2019: Accusation of Theft 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.