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 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

May 13, 1961: Dennis Rodman's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

1982: Adopting the Rich Family

In 1982, Rodman "adopted" the Riches as his own family, transitioning from city life to rural life in Oklahoma.

1983: College Basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University

In 1983, Dennis Rodman began playing basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

1988: NBA Finals Loss and Birth of Daughter

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

1992: Chuck Daly's Resignation

In May 1992, Rodman experienced a tough loss when coach Chuck Daly, whom he had admired as a surrogate father, resigned.

February 1993: Suicide Attempt and Epiphany

In February 1993, Rodman contemplated suicide but had an epiphany, deciding to live life his way and reinvent himself. This moment was later detailed in his biography and a TV movie.

1993: Divorce and Pistons struggles

In 1993, Rodman and Annie Bakes were divorcing, and the Pistons missed the playoffs.

1993: Rodman's Transformation

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

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".

1996: Rodman's feelings for his father in his biography

In his 1996 biography "Bad As I Wanna Be", Rodman expresses his feelings for his father stating he hasn't seen him in more than 30 years and that some man just brought him into this world, which doesn't mean he has a father.

2012: Reunion with Father

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

February 26, 2013: Trip to North Korea

On February 26, 2013, Dennis Rodman, along with Vice Media correspondent Ryan Duffy, made a trip to North Korea to host basketball exhibitions. He met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, becoming the first American to meet him. Rodman called Kim "a friend for life" and suggested that President Barack Obama call Kim.

July 2013: Rodman's Mission to break the ice between hostile countries

In July 2013, Dennis Rodman told Sports Illustrated that his mission was to break the ice between hostile countries, and if he didn't finish in the top three for the next Nobel Peace Prize, something's seriously wrong.

September 3, 2013: Another meeting with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang

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 and encouraged Obama to reach out to Kim Jong Un.

December 2013: Planned Visit to North Korea with Former NBA Players

In December 2013, Dennis Rodman announced plans to visit North Korea again with former NBA players for an exhibition basketball tour, scheduled for January 8 and 10, 2014.

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.

January 10, 2014: Exhibition basketball game

On January 10, 2014, Dennis Rodman had planned an exhibition basketball tour for Kim Jong Un's birthday.

July 24, 2015: Publicly endorsed 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 North Korea, stating that Rodman's rant raised awareness of his case.

2016: Public Endorsement of Trump

In 2016 Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

2016: Endorsement Tweet for Trump

In 2016, Dennis Rodman sent out an endorsement tweet stating that Donald Trump had been a great friend for many years and that the country needed a businessman like Mr. Trump.

June 13, 2017: Return 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 Jong Un.

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December 2017: Professor Terwilliger's statement about Rodman's role

In December 2017, Columbia University professor Joseph Terwilliger stated 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: 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.

2017: Request to Release Warmbier

In 2017, before leaving for a trip, Dennis Rodman's agent, Chris Volo, asked North Korean officials to release Otto Warmbier as a symbol of good faith for future sports-relations visits.