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 is an American former professional basketball player, known as "the Worm". He is celebrated for his exceptional defensive skills and rebounding prowess, with some considering him the best rebounding forward in NBA history. Rodman played for several NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. He transitioned from playing small forward early in his career to power forward later on.

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 is an American former professional basketball player known for his defensive and rebounding skills.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Rodman 'Adopts' the Rich Family

In 1982, Dennis Rodman "adopted" the Rich family as his own, transitioning from city life to rural Oklahoma, after befriending Byrne Rich at a basketball camp.

1983: Rodman joins Southeastern Oklahoma State University

In 1983, Dennis Rodman joined Southeastern Oklahoma State University and played basketball for three seasons.

1988: Loss against the Lakers in the NBA Finals

In 1988, the Detroit Pistons lost in seven games against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Dennis Rodman played a key role in the series. He and his girlfriend Annie had a daughter they named Alexis.

February 1993: Rodman's Suicide Consideration

In February 1993, Dennis Rodman drove to The Palace of Auburn Hills with a loaded rifle, contemplating suicide before deciding to change his life.

1993: Rodman's Suicide Attempt and Transformation

In 1993, after an unhappy childhood, Dennis Rodman attempted suicide and subsequently reinvented himself as a "bad boy," becoming known for controversial behavior.

1993: Rodman's Divorce and Pistons' Struggles

The 1992-93 NBA season was tumultuous for Dennis Rodman as he divorced Annie Bakes. The Pistons missed the 1993 playoffs.

1994: Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Exit

In 1994, Dennis Rodman began displaying unconventional behavior, including dyeing his hair in various colors inspired by the film Demolition Man. He had altercations, including headbutting Stacey King and John Stockton, and a publicized affair with Madonna. The Spurs lost in the first round of the 1994 playoffs to the Utah Jazz.

Loading Video...

1996: Public Antics and Autobiography Promotion

In 1996, Dennis Rodman gained attention for his public antics, including wearing a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad As I Wanna Be", and claiming he was marrying himself.

1996: Rodman Promotes Autobiography in Wedding Dress

In 1996, Dennis Rodman wore a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad as I Wanna Be".

Bad as I Wanna Be

Check it on Amazon

1996: Rodman expresses feelings for his father in autobiography

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

2012: Rodman Reconnects with Father

Dennis Rodman would not meet his father again until 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 traveled to North Korea with Vice Media correspondent Ryan Duffy to host basketball exhibitions and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, becoming the first Americans to meet Kim. Rodman later called Kim a "friend for life" and suggested that President Barack Obama contact him.

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 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. He mentioned that Kim has a daughter named Kim Ju Ae and that he is a "great dad". Rodman also stated that he planned to train the North Korean national basketball team and was trying to open Obama's and everyone's minds.

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

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

2013: Rodman stops 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.

2013: Rodman's Friendship with Kim Jong Un

In 2013, Dennis Rodman gained international attention for his visits to North Korea and subsequent friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

January 10, 2014: Exhibition Basketball Game in North Korea

On January 10, 2014, Dennis Rodman was to host a basketball exhibition game in North Korea as part of his visit with a team of former NBA players.

January 15, 2014: Rehabilitation for Alcohol Abuse

On January 15, 2014, Dennis Rodman entered a rehabilitation facility to seek treatment for alcohol abuse, following a heavily drinking trip to North Korea where his agent reported his alcohol consumption was unprecedented.

July 24, 2015: Endorsement of Donald Trump's 2016 Presidential Campaign

On July 24, 2015, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, stating that Trump has been a great friend for many years and that we need a businessman like Mr. Trump.

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 Donald Trump

In 2016, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump during the presidential campaign and is described as a self-described longtime friend of the president.

2016: Continued Support for Donald Trump

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

June 13, 2017: Return Trip to North Korea

On June 13, 2017, Dennis Rodman returned to North Korea on a visit described as sports-related. He met with national Olympic athletes and basketball players and visited a state-run orphanage, but was unable to meet with Kim Jong Un. He gave the nation's Minister of Sports several gifts for Kim, including basketball jerseys, soap sets, and a copy of Donald Trump's book.

Trump: The Art of the Deal

Check it on Amazon

December 2017: Professor's View on Rodman's Role

In December 2017, Columbia University professor Joseph Terwilliger argued that Dennis Rodman's friendship with both Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un could provide a much-needed bridge to help resolve the current nuclear standoff between the U.S. and North Korea.

2017: Speculation about Rodman's Role in North Korea Relations

In 2017, The Washington Post questioned whether President Donald Trump sent Dennis Rodman to North Korea to negotiate the release of American prisoners or open a back channel for diplomatic communications. Officials denied any government involvement.

2017: Request to Release Warmbier

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