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. Considered one of the best rebounding forwards in NBA history, he played for several prominent teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. Initially playing as a small forward, he transitioned to the power forward position, leaving a lasting impact on the sport with his unique style and contributions.

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 a professional basketball player known for his defensive and rebounding skills.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Rodman "adopts" the Riches as his family

In 1982, Dennis Rodman "adopted" the Rich family as his own, after befriending their son Byrne at a summer youth basketball camp.

1987: Publication of 'The Art of the Deal'

In 1987, Donald Trump's book 'The Art of the Deal' was published, which Dennis Rodman later gifted to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2017.

Trump: The Art of the Deal

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1992: Chuck Daly resigns

In May 1992, Chuck Daly, whom Dennis Rodman admired as a surrogate father, resigned as coach.

February 1993: Rodman contemplates suicide

In February 1993, Dennis Rodman drove to The Palace of Auburn Hills with a loaded rifle, contemplating suicide, but had an epiphany and decided to change his life.

1993: Rodman divorces and Pistons miss playoffs

In 1993, Dennis Rodman and Annie Bakes divorced. The Pistons missed the 1993 playoffs.

1993: Rodman contemplates suicide and reinvents himself

In 1993, Dennis Rodman contemplated suicide and decided to reinvent himself as a "bad boy," leading to numerous controversial actions.

1996: Autobiography Promotion

In 1996, Dennis Rodman garnered publicity for his public antics by wearing a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad As I Wanna Be", claiming that he was bisexual and marrying himself.

1996: Rodman promotes his autobiography in a 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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1996: Rodman expresses feelings for his father in autobiography

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

April 25, 2001: Birth of son, Dennis Jr.

On April 25, 2001, Dennis Rodman's son, Dennis Jr. ("DJ"), was born with Michelle Moyer.

May 20, 2002: Birth of daughter, Trinity

On May 20, 2002, Dennis Rodman's daughter, Trinity, was born with Michelle Moyer.

2004: Rodman wins Celebrity Mole

In 2004, Dennis Rodman won the $222,000 main prize of the "Celebrity Mole" reality TV series.

May 2008: Rehab Center Admission

In May 2008, Dennis Rodman entered an outpatient rehab center in Florida.

May 2009: Celebrity Apprentice Intervention

In May 2009, Dennis Rodman's behavior on Celebrity Apprentice led to an intervention involving Phil Jackson, Rodman's family, and friends. Rodman initially resisted rehab to attend the Celebrity Apprentice reunion.

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March 2012: Financial Advisor's Statement

In March 2012, Dennis Rodman's financial advisor publicly stated that Rodman's alcoholism impacted his ability to secure work.

2012: Rodman meets his father again

In 2012, Dennis Rodman met his father again 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 traveled to North Korea with Vice Media to host basketball exhibitions and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, becoming the first American to meet him. Rodman later called Kim a "friend for life".

March 2013: Visit to the Vatican City

In March 2013, Dennis Rodman arrived at the Vatican City during the 2013 Papal Conclave to promote a gambling website.

July 2013: Rodman on His Mission to Break Ice Between Hostile Countries

In July 2013, Dennis Rodman told Sports Illustrated that his mission was to break the ice between hostile countries, expressing surprise that he was the one doing it and joking about his chances 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. He mentioned Kim's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and that he planned to train the North Korean national basketball team.

December 2013: Announcement of North Korea Visit

In December 2013, Dennis Rodman announced another visit to North Korea with former NBA players for an exhibition basketball tour in preparation for January games.

2013: Rodman stops communicating with Rich family

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

2013: Rodman befriends Kim Jong Un

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

January 7, 2014: Comments on Kenneth Bae's Imprisonment

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. This led to widespread criticism.

January 10, 2014: Exhibition Game in North Korea

On January 10, 2014, Dennis Rodman and a team of former NBA players played an exhibition game in North Korea, coinciding with Kim Jong Un's birthday.

January 15, 2014: Rehabilitation Admission for Alcohol Abuse

On January 15, 2014, Dennis Rodman entered a rehabilitation facility to seek treatment for alcohol abuse, following a trip to North Korea where he reportedly drank heavily.

July 24, 2015: Endorsement of Donald Trump

On July 24, 2015, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, stating that Trump had been a great friend for many years.

May 2, 2016: Bae Credits Rodman with Early Release

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

2016: Rodman's Endorsement of Trump

In 2016, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump for president. He is described as a self-described longtime friend of the president.

2016: Endorsement Tweet for Trump

In 2016, Dennis Rodman tweeted an endorsement for Donald Trump, 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 to North Korea

On June 13, 2017, Dennis Rodman returned to North Korea on a sports-related visit. He met with Olympic athletes and gave the Minister of Sports gifts for Kim Jong Un, including signed jerseys, soap sets, and a copy of Donald Trump's "The Art of the Deal".

Trump: The Art of the Deal

Check it on Amazon

December 2017: Rodman as a Potential Emissary

In December 2017, Columbia University professor Joseph Terwilliger argued that Dennis Rodman's unique friendship with both Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un could make him a valuable emissary to help resolve the nuclear standoff.

2017: Request for Warmbier's Release

In 2017, before Dennis Rodman's trip to North Korea, his agent Chris Volo stated that he asked North Korean officials to release Warmbier as a sign of good faith.

2017: Speculation About Rodman's Role in Negotiations

In 2017, there was speculation, later denied, about whether President Donald Trump sent Dennis Rodman to North Korea to negotiate the release of American prisoners or to open diplomatic channels.