Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Dennis Rodman

Public opinion and media debates around Dennis Rodman—discover key moments of controversy.

Dennis Rodman is an American former professional basketball player, known as "the Worm". He is celebrated for his exceptional defensive skills and rebounding prowess, with some considering him the best rebounding forward in NBA history. Rodman played for several NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. He transitioned from playing small forward early in his career to power forward later on.

Sections (6)

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

1993: Rodman's Suicide Attempt and Transformation

In 1993, after an unhappy childhood, Dennis Rodman attempted suicide and subsequently reinvented himself as a "bad boy," becoming known for controversial behavior.

1994: Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Exit

In 1994, Dennis Rodman began displaying unconventional behavior, including dyeing his hair in various colors inspired by the film Demolition Man. He had altercations, including headbutting Stacey King and John Stockton, and a publicized affair with Madonna. The Spurs lost in the first round of the 1994 playoffs to the Utah Jazz.

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March 16, 1996: Headbutts Referee

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

1996: Public Antics and Autobiography Promotion

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

1996: Rodman Promotes Autobiography in Wedding Dress

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: Kicks Cameraman

On January 15, 1997, Dennis Rodman kicked cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was suspended for 11 games and paid Amos a $200,000 settlement, resulting in a $1 million loss.

1997: Continued Success with the Bulls

In 1997, Rodman's season was marked by his sixth consecutive rebounding title and controversial behavior. He kicked a cameraman, leading to suspension and financial loss. Despite struggles in the playoffs, he contributed to the Bulls' NBA Finals victory against the Utah Jazz.

1998: Seventh Rebounding Title and NBA Finals Appearance

In 1998, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title. Prior to Game Four of the NBA Finals versus the Jazz, he controversially left the team to wrestle with Hulk Hogan. He contributed to the Bulls' victory, securing his fifth championship ring.

August 1999: Arrest for Public Drunkenness

In August 1999, Dennis Rodman was arrested for public drunkenness after an altercation at Woody's Wharf in Newport Beach, California. He spent the night in jail, but the charges were eventually dropped.

November 5, 1999: Misdemeanor Battery Charge

On November 5, 1999, Dennis Rodman and his then-wife, Carmen Electra, were charged with misdemeanor battery after police were notified of a domestic disturbance. Both posted bail and were released with a temporary restraining order. The charges were later dropped the next month.

December 1999: Arrest for Drunk Driving

In December 1999, Dennis Rodman was arrested for drunk driving and driving without a valid driver's license.

1999: Signed by Dallas Mavericks

In 1999, Dennis Rodman signed with the Dallas Mavericks. The league forbade him from wearing the jersey number 69 and he wound up wearing number 70 instead. Rodman lived in team owner Mark Cuban's guest house until the league prevented it because it violated salary cap rules.

July 2000: Guilty Plea for Drunk Driving

In July 2000, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to drunk driving and driving without a valid license. He was ordered to pay $2,000 in fines and attend a three-month treatment program.

2002: Arrest for Interference 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. Police appeared over 70 times at his Newport Beach home due to loud parties.

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: Plea of No Contest to Drunk Driving

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: Plea of No Contest 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: Missed Child-Support Payments

In 2012, Dennis Rodman was left trying to explain missed child-support payments in an Orange County, California, court. These missed payments were due to Peggy Ann Fulford stealing funds Rodman believed were being distributed as child-support payments.

2013: Rodman stops communicating with the Rich family

As of 2013, Dennis Rodman had stopped communicating with the Rich family after Byrne's mother allegedly used a racial slur.

2013: Rodman's Friendship with Kim Jong Un

In 2013, Dennis Rodman gained international attention for his visits to North Korea and subsequent friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

January 7, 2014: 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 in North Korea. The remarks sparked widespread criticism.

January 15, 2014: Rehabilitation for Alcohol Abuse

On January 15, 2014, Dennis Rodman entered a rehabilitation facility to seek treatment for alcohol abuse, following a heavily drinking trip to North Korea where his agent reported his alcohol consumption was unprecedented.

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: Peggy Ann Fulford Indicted by FBI

In 2016, Peggy Ann Fulford was indicted by the FBI for her crimes, which included stealing funds from Dennis Rodman that he believed were being used for child support payments.

February 2017: Guilty Plea for Hit and Run

In February 2017, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to charges related to a hit and run incident. He was sentenced to three years of probation, 30 hours of community service, 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: Peggy Ann Fulford sentenced to prison

In February 2018, Peggy Ann Fulford, a professional scam artist/fraudster, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and full financial restitution for stealing $1.24 million from Dennis Rodman.

May 2019: Accusation of Theft from Yoga Studio

In May 2019, Ali Shah, a Newport Beach yoga studio owner, accused Dennis Rodman of helping steal over $3,500 worth of items from the studio's reception area, including a 400 lb (180 kg) decorative geode. Rodman disputed the account. No charges were filed at the time of reporting.