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 teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. He initially played as a small forward before transitioning to power forward. His career is defined by his defensive prowess and rebounding dominance.
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.
1982: Adopted the Rich Family
In 1982, Dennis Rodman "adopted" the Rich family as his own, integrating into their rural Oklahoma lifestyle after befriending their son Byrne at a basketball camp.
1983: Played at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
In 1983, Dennis Rodman began playing basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
1987: Publication of "The Art of the Deal"
In 1987, Donald Trump's book "The Art of the Deal" was published. A copy of the book was later given by Dennis Rodman to a North Korean sports minister to gift to Kim Jong Un in 2017.
1988: Reached NBA Finals and Birth of Daughter
In 1988, the Detroit Pistons reached the NBA Finals, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Dennis Rodman and his girlfriend Annie had a daughter named Alexis.
February 1993: Contemplated Suicide
In February 1993, Dennis Rodman drove to The Palace of Auburn Hills with a loaded rifle, contemplating suicide before having an epiphany about changing his life.
1993: Contemplated Suicide and Reinvention
In 1993, after contemplating suicide, Dennis Rodman reinvented himself as a "bad boy", becoming notorious for controversial antics.
1993: Divorce and Missed Playoffs
In the 1992-1993 season, Dennis Rodman and Annie Bakes were divorcing, and the Pistons missed the 1993 playoffs.
1994: Clashes, suspensions, and rebounding title
During the 1994 season, Dennis Rodman faced clashes with the Spurs front office, resulting in suspensions. He took a leave of absence on November 11 and faced another suspension on December 7. He eventually returned on December 10 after missing 19 games. After joining the team, he was involved in a motorcycle accident, limiting his season to 49 games. Despite the challenges, he secured his fourth straight rebounding title by averaging 16.8 rebounds per game and made the All-NBA Team.
1994: Unconventional behavior and playoff exit
In 1994, Dennis Rodman displayed unconventional behavior, including dyeing his hair in various colors, headbutting Stacey King and John Stockton, refusing to leave the court after being ejected, and having an affair with Madonna. The Spurs, despite a 55-win season, were eliminated in the first round of the 1994 playoffs by the Utah Jazz.
1996: Wedding Dress Stunt for Autobiography Promotion
In 1996, Dennis Rodman garnered publicity by wearing a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad As I Wanna Be". He claimed to be bisexual and marrying himself.
1996: Promoted autobiography "Bad as I Wanna Be"
In 1996, Dennis Rodman wore a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad as I Wanna Be."
1996: Expressed Feelings for Father in Biography
In his 1996 biography, "Bad As I Wanna Be", Dennis Rodman expressed his feelings about his absent father, stating he hadn't seen him in over 30 years.
January 15, 1997: Kicking Incident and Suspension
On January 15, 1997, Dennis Rodman kicked cameraman Eugene Amos after tripping over him during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rodman paid Amos a $200,000 settlement, and the league suspended Rodman for 11 games without pay, resulting in a $1 million loss.
August 1999: Rodman Arrested for Public Drunkenness
In August 1999, Dennis Rodman was arrested for public drunkenness and spent the night in jail after an altercation at Woody's Wharf in Newport Beach, California. The charges were later dropped.
November 5, 1999: Rodman and Carmen Electra Charged with Misdemeanor Battery
On November 5, 1999, Dennis Rodman and his then-wife, Carmen Electra, were charged with misdemeanor battery following a domestic disturbance. Both posted bail and were released with a temporary restraining order. The charges were dropped the following month.
December 1999: Rodman Arrested for Drunk Driving
In December 1999, Dennis Rodman was arrested for drunk driving and driving without a valid driver's license.
July 2000: Rodman Pleads Guilty to Drunk Driving Charges
In July 2000, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to drunk driving and driving without a valid license. He was ordered to pay $2,000 in fines and attend a three-month treatment program.
April 25, 2001: Birth of Son, Dennis Jr. (DJ)
On April 25, 2001, Dennis Rodman and Michelle Moyer had a son, Dennis Jr., nicknamed DJ.
May 20, 2002: Birth of Daughter, Trinity
On May 20, 2002, Dennis Rodman and Michelle Moyer had a daughter, Trinity.
2002: Rodman Arrested for Interfering with Police
In 2002, Dennis Rodman was arrested for interfering with police investigating a code violation at a restaurant he owned. The charges were eventually dropped. His home in Newport Beach, California, saw over 70 police visits due to loud parties.
2003: Rodman Arrested for 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: Rodman Pleads No Contest 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.
2005: PETA Ad, Wife-Carrying Contest and Autobiography
In 2005, Dennis Rodman posed naked for PETA's advertisement campaign "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur", traveled to Finland for a wife-carrying contest but resigned due to health problems, and published his second autobiography, I Should Be Dead By Now, promoting it by sitting in a coffin.
April 30, 2008: Rodman Arrested for Domestic Violence in Los Angeles
On April 30, 2008, Dennis Rodman was arrested following a domestic violence incident at a Los Angeles hotel.
May 2008: Entering Outpatient Rehab
In May 2008, Dennis Rodman entered an outpatient rehab center in Florida.
June 24, 2008: Rodman Pleads No Contest to Spousal Battery
On June 24, 2008, Dennis Rodman pleaded no contest to misdemeanor spousal battery charges. He received three years of probation, one year of domestic violence counseling, and 45 hours of community service.
May 2009: Intervention After Celebrity Apprentice
In May 2009, Dennis Rodman's behavior on Celebrity Apprentice led to an intervention, including Phil Jackson, family, and friends. He initially refused rehabilitation.
March 2012: Financial Advisor's Comments on Alcoholism
In March 2012, Dennis Rodman's financial advisor stated that Rodman is an alcoholic and his illness impacts his ability to get work.
2012: Reunited with his Father
In 2012, Dennis Rodman finally met his father again after over 30 years of separation.
2012: Reconciliation with Father
In 2012, Dennis Rodman reconciled with his father, Philander, during a trip to the Philippines after decades of being estranged.
2012: Rodman Explains Missed Child-Support Payments
In 2012, Dennis Rodman was left trying to explain missed child-support payments in an Orange County, California, court, unknowingly due to Fulford stealing the funds meant for these payments.
February 26, 2013: Rodman Visits North Korea
On February 26, 2013, Dennis Rodman traveled to North Korea with Vice Media to host basketball exhibitions and met Kim Jong Un, becoming one of the first Americans to meet with him. Rodman called Kim "a friend for life" and suggested that President Barack Obama call Kim.
March 2013: Visit to Vatican City during Papal Conclave
In March 2013, Dennis Rodman arrived at the Vatican City during the 2013 Papal Conclave. He promoted a gambling website related to bets on the new pope.
July 2013: Rodman on His 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." He joked about deserving a Nobel Peace Prize.
September 3, 2013: Rodman Returns to Pyongyang, Meets Kim Jong Un
On September 3, 2013, Dennis Rodman returned to Pyongyang for another meeting with Kim Jong Un. He mentioned Kim's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, calling Kim a "great dad" and revealed his plans to train the North Korean national basketball team.
December 2013: Rodman Announces Another North Korea Trip with Former NBA Players
In December 2013, Dennis Rodman announced another trip to North Korea, planning to take former NBA players for an exhibition basketball tour, scheduled around Kim Jong Un's birthday on January 8 and another game on January 10, 2014.
2013: Stopped Communicating with the Rich Family
As of 2013, Dennis Rodman had stopped communicating with the Rich family after Byrne's mother allegedly used a racial slur against him.
2013: Befriended Kim Jong Un
In 2013, Dennis Rodman attracted international attention for his visits to North Korea and befriended North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un.
January 7, 2014: Rodman's Controversial Comments on Kenneth Bae's Imprisonment
On January 7, 2014, Dennis Rodman made comments during a CNN interview implying Kenneth Bae was at fault for his imprisonment in North Korea. The remarks caused widespread criticism.
January 10, 2014: Exhibition Game in North Korea
In January 10, 2014, an exhibition game was scheduled in North Korea.
January 15, 2014: Rodman Enters Rehab After North Korea Trip
On January 15, 2014, Dennis Rodman entered a rehabilitation facility for alcohol abuse treatment. This followed a highly publicized trip to North Korea where his agent reported he had been drinking heavily.
July 24, 2015: Rodman Endorses Donald Trump for President
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.
November 21, 2016: Rodman Charged with Hit and Run
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, which occurred in July.
2016: Rodman Tweets Endorsement for Trump
In 2016, Dennis Rodman tweeted an endorsement for Donald Trump, calling him a great friend and advocating for a businessman like Trump as president.
2016: Rodman Publicly Endorses Trump During Presidential Campaign
In 2016, Dennis Rodman, a self-described longtime friend of Donald Trump, publicly endorsed Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.
2016: Fulford Indicted by the FBI
In 2016, Peggy Ann Fulford was indicted by the FBI for stealing funds from Rodman and other athletes.
February 2017: Rodman Pleads Guilty to Hit and Run Charges
In February 2017, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to charges related to a hit and run incident. He was sentenced to three years of probation, 30 hours of community service, ordered to pay restitution, and donate $500 to the Victim Witness Emergency Fund.
June 13, 2017: Rodman Returns to North Korea
On June 13, 2017, Dennis Rodman returned to North Korea, initially described as a sports-related visit. He met with athletes, viewed basketball practices, and visited an orphanage, but did not meet with Kim Jong Un. He gave the Minister of Sports several gifts for Kim.
December 2017: Professor Argues Rodman Could Bridge US-North Korea Nuclear Standoff
In December 2017, Columbia University professor Joseph Terwilliger, who has accompanied Rodman to North Korea, argued that Rodman's friendship with both Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim could provide a much-needed bridge to help resolve the current nuclear standoff.
2017: Questions Arise Regarding Rodman's Role in North Korea-US Relations
In 2017, The Washington Post questioned whether President Donald Trump sent Rodman on his 2017 visit to North Korea to negotiate the release of American prisoners or to open a back channel for diplomatic communications. Officials denied any government involvement.
2017: Rodman's Agent Requests Release of Warmbier
In 2017, before the trip to North Korea, Dennis Rodman's agent, Chris Volo, asked North Korean officials three times to release Warmbier as a symbol of good faith.
January 2018: Rodman Arrested for DUI
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 for Fraud; Rodman a Victim
In February 2018, Peggy Ann Fulford was sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding multiple athletes, including Dennis Rodman, who lost $1.24 million. She was ordered to pay full financial restitution.
June 2018: Rodman Visits North Korea Again
In June 2018, Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again, stating he was happy to be a part of the 2018 North Korea–United States summit.
May 2019: Rodman Accused of Helping Steal Items from Yoga Studio
In May 2019, the Los Angeles Times reported that yoga studio owner Ali Shah accused Dennis Rodman of helping steal over $3,500 worth of items, including a 400 lb decorative geode, from the studio's reception area. Rodman disputed the account. No charges had been filed at the time of reporting.
October 18, 2019: Rodman Charged with Misdemeanor Battery
On October 18, 2019, Dennis Rodman was charged with misdemeanor battery after slapping a man at the Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach, Florida.
2019: DJ Starts Playing College Basketball
In 2019, Dennis Rodman's son, DJ, started playing college basketball for Washington State.
2020: Rodman Campaigns for Kanye West's Presidential Campaign
In 2020, Dennis Rodman endorsed and campaigned for the presidential campaign of rapper Kanye West.
2023: DJ Transfers to USC
In 2023, Dennis Rodman's son DJ transferred to USC to continue playing college basketball.
2024: Rodman Endorses Donald Trump’s 2024 Presidential Campaign
In 2024, Dennis Rodman endorsed Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
2024: Trinity's Comments on Her Relationship With Dennis Rodman
In a 2024 interview, Dennis Rodman's daughter Trinity, who is a professional soccer player for the Washington Spirit and the United States national team, stated she rarely heard from him while growing up, and as an adult, saying, "He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else."
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