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 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

May 13, 1961: Dennis Rodman's Birth

On May 13, 1961, Dennis Keith Rodman was born. He later became a 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 was "adopted" by the Rich family as his surrogate family, after befriending their son Byrne Rich at a basketball camp.

1987: Publication of The Art of the Deal

In 1987 Donald Trump published the book "The Art of the Deal", which Dennis Rodman later gifted to the North Korean Minister of Sports as a gift for Kim Jong Un.

Trump: The Art of the Deal

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1988: NBA Finals Loss and Daughter's Birth

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

1992: Coach Daly's Resignation and Fine

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

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.

1993: Divorce and Playoff Miss

In the 1992-93 season, Dennis Rodman and Annie Bakes were divorcing, and the Detroit Pistons missed the 1993 playoffs.

1996: Rodman's Antics

In 1996 Rodman garnered much publicity for his public antics.

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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1996: Feelings for his Father

In his 1996 biography, "Bad As I Wanna Be", Dennis Rodman expressed his feelings about not having a relationship with his father for over 30 years.

Bad as I Wanna Be

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2012: Reunion with his Father

Dennis Rodman would meet his father again in 2012 after more than 30 years of separation.

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 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Rodman and his travel party were the first Americans to meet Kim.

July 2013: Comments on International Relations

In July 2013, Dennis Rodman told Sports Illustrated about his "mission" to break the ice between hostile countries, expressing his belief that he should be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize.

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, and discussed Kim's daughter and potential training of the North Korean national basketball team.

December 2013: Announcement of North Korea Visit and Exhibition Tour

In December 2013, Dennis Rodman announced plans to visit North Korea again with former NBA players for an exhibition basketball tour, scheduled for January 2014.

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 10, 2014: Basketball Game in North Korea

Dennis Rodman's team held one of two exhibition basketball games in North Korea on 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 for Early Release

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

2016: Public Endorsement of Trump's Presidential Campaign

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

2016: Endorsement Tweet for Donald Trump

In 2016, Dennis Rodman sent out an endorsement tweet stating his support for Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

June 13, 2017: Return Visit to North Korea

On June 13, 2017, Dennis Rodman returned to North Korea, meeting with national Olympic athletes and basketball players, viewing a men's basketball practice, and visiting a state-run orphanage. He also gifted the nation's Minister of Sports, for Kim Jong Un, 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

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December 2017: Rodman as a Potential Bridge between US and North Korea

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

2017: Request for Warmbier's Release

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

2017: Speculation about Role in US-North Korea Relations

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