Childhood and Education Journey of Dennis Rodman in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Dennis Rodman. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

May 13, 1961: Dennis Rodman's Birth

On May 13, 1961, Dennis Keith Rodman was born. He would become an American former professional basketball player known for his defensive and rebounding skills.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Adoption by the Rich Family

In 1982, Dennis Rodman "adopted" the Rich family as his own, transitioning from city life to a rural lifestyle and forming a surrogate family that helped him through college.

1983: College Basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University

In 1983, Dennis Rodman began playing basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, marking the start of his three seasons there.

1987: Publication of 'The Art of the Deal'

In 1987, Donald Trump's book 'The Art of the Deal' was published, and a copy was given to Kim Jong Un by Dennis Rodman in 2017 as a gift.

Trump: The Art of the Deal

Check it on Amazon

1988: NBA Finals Loss and Daughter's Birth

In 1988, the Detroit Pistons lost in seven games to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Also in that year, Dennis Rodman and his girlfriend Annie had a daughter named Alexis.

1992: Chuck Daly's Resignation and Rodman's Fine

In 1992, Dennis Rodman experienced a tough loss when coach Chuck Daly resigned. Rodman skipped the preseason camp and was fined $68,000.

February 1993: Suicide Attempt

In February 1993, Dennis Rodman drove to The Palace of Auburn Hills late one night carrying a loaded rifle in his truck, contemplating suicide. He was found by police after a friend called for a welfare check, leading to an epiphany and a decision to change his life.

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: Divorce and Missed Playoffs

In 1993, Dennis Rodman and Annie Bakes were divorcing, leaving him traumatized. The Pistons won only 40 games and missed the 1993 playoffs.

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 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.

1995: Rodman Traded to Chicago Bulls

Before the 1995-96 NBA season, Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue. He chose to wear jersey number 91 and quickly adapted to his new environment, becoming part of the Bulls team that won 72 regular-season games.

1996: Feelings For His Father

In 1996, Dennis Rodman expressed his feelings for his father in his biography "Bad As I Wanna Be", stating he hadn't seen him in over 30 years.

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".

1998: Bulls start a massive rebuilding phase

After the 1997-98 NBA season, the Bulls began a massive rebuilding phase, Head coach Phil Jackson and several team members left, including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

2012: Reunion with Father

In 2012, Dennis Rodman met his father again after more than 30 years.

February 26, 2013: Trip to North Korea and Meeting with Kim Jong Un

On February 26, 2013, Dennis Rodman made a trip to North Korea with Vice Media correspondent Ryan Duffy to host basketball exhibitions and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Rodman and his travel party were the first Americans to meet Kim.

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."

September 3, 2013: Second Meeting with Kim Jong Un

On September 3, 2013, Dennis Rodman flew to Pyongyang for another meeting with Kim Jong Un. He said that Kim has a daughter named Kim Ju Ae, and that he is a "great dad". He also noted that he planned to train the North Korean national basketball team. He stated that he is "trying to open Obama's and everyone's minds" and encouraged Obama to reach out to Kim Jong Un.

December 2013: Announcement of Another Visit to North Korea

In December 2013, Dennis Rodman announced that he would visit North Korea again and that he has plans to take a number of former NBA players with him for an exhibition basketball tour.

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.

January 10, 2014: Exhibition Game in North Korea

Games were scheduled for January 8 (Kim Jong Un's birthday) and January 10, 2014.

July 24, 2015: Endorsement of Donald Trump's Presidential Campaign

On July 24, 2015, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

May 2, 2016: Kenneth Bae Credits Rodman with Early Release

On May 2, 2016, Kenneth Bae credited Dennis Rodman with his early release from imprisonment. He said that Rodman's rant raised awareness of his case.

2016: Rodman Endorses Trump

In 2016, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.

2016: Rodman Tweeted Endorsement for Trump

In 2016, Dennis Rodman sent out an endorsement tweet, stating, "Donald Trump has been a great friend for many years. We don't need another politician, we need a businessman like Mr. Trump! Trump 2016."

June 13, 2017: Return Visit to North Korea

On June 13, 2017, Dennis Rodman returned to North Korea on what was described as a sports-related visit. He met with national Olympic athletes and basketball players, viewed a men's basketball practice, and visited a state-run orphanage. He gave the nation's Minister of Sports several gifts for Kim, including two signed basketball jerseys, two soap sets, and a copy of Donald Trump's 1987 book The Art of the Deal.

Trump: The Art of the Deal

Check it on Amazon

December 2017: Professor Argues Rodman Could Bridge US-North Korea Standoff

In December 2017, Columbia University professor Joseph Terwilliger argued that Dennis Rodman's unique position as a friend to the leaders of both U.S. and North Korea could provide a much-needed bridge to help resolve the current nuclear standoff.

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.

2017: Agent Requests Release of Warmbier

In 2017, before Dennis Rodman left for his trip to North Korea, Rodman's agent, Chris Volo, told ABC News that he had asked North Korean officials to release Warmbier as a symbol of good faith for any future sports-relations visits.