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 rebounding and defensive skills. Often considered among 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, making a lasting impact on the sport with his unique style and talent.

Sections (6)

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

1987: Playoff Feud with Dennis Johnson

During the 1987 playoffs, Rodman feuded with Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, taunting him during the series.

1993: Rodman's Transformation

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

1994: 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 shoulder separation from 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: Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Loss

In 1994, Dennis Rodman continued to display unconventional behavior, including headbutting opponents and having a publicized affair with Madonna. Despite a 55-win season, the Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the 1994 playoffs by the Utah Jazz.

March 16, 1996: Headbutts Referee and Receives Suspension

On March 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman headbutted referee Ted Bernhardt during a game in New Jersey. He was suspended for six games and fined $20,000, a punishment that was considered too lenient by the local press.

1996: Wears Wedding Dress to Promote Autobiography

In 1996, Dennis Rodman wore a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad As I Wanna Be", claiming he was bisexual and marrying himself, generating much publicity for his antics.

1996: Autobiography Promotion

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

January 15, 1997: Kicks Cameraman and Receives Suspension

On January 15, 1997, Dennis Rodman kicked cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after tripping over him. Rodman ultimately paid Amos a $200,000 settlement, and the league suspended Rodman for 11 games without pay, effectively losing him $1 million.

1998: Seventh Rebounding Title and NBA Finals Appearance

In 1998, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title, averaging 15.0 boards per game, and reached the 1998 NBA Finals again versus the Jazz. Before game four, he caused consternation when he left his team to go wrestling with Hulk Hogan and was fined $20,000. The Bulls won their third title in a row, with Rodman winning his fifth ring.

2002: Arrested for interfering with police

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

2003: Arrested and charged with 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: Pleaded nolo contendere 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: Arrested following a domestic violence incident

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

June 24, 2008: Pleaded no contest to spousal battery charges

On June 24, 2008, Dennis Rodman 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: Missed child-support payments

In 2012 Dennis Rodman was left trying to explain missed child-support payments in an Orange County, California, court, as funds were stolen by Peggy Ann Fulford, a professional scam artist, who was indicted by the FBI in 2016.

2013: End of Communication with the Rich Family

As of 2013, Rodman had stopped communicating with the Rich family after a racial slur was allegedly used.

2013: Befriending Kim Jong Un

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

January 7, 2014: Controversial Comments on CNN Regarding Kenneth Bae

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

November 21, 2016: Charged with hit and run, lying to police, and driving without a license

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, who stole millions from Dennis Rodman and other athletes, was indicted by the FBI for her crimes.

February 2017: Pleaded guilty to charges

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

2017: Speculation about Rodman's visit purpose

In 2017, The Washington Post raised the question of whether President Donald Trump sent Dennis Rodman on his visit to North Korea to negotiate the release of American prisoners or to open a back channel for diplomatic communications.

January 2018: Arrested 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, Peggy Ann Fulford, the scam artist 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 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.