History of Dennis Rodman in Timeline

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

1971: Previous Rebounding Record

In the 1971–1972 NBA season, Wilt Chamberlain grabbed 1,572 rebounds.

1972: Previous Rebounding Record

In the 1971–1972 NBA season, Wilt Chamberlain grabbed 1,572 rebounds.

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.

1985: NAIA Rebounding Lead

In 1985, Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding while at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

1986: NAIA Semifinals and Tournament Record

In 1986, Rodman led his team to the NAIA semifinals, scoring 46 points and grabbing a tournament-tying record 32 rebounds. He also led the NAIA in rebounding for the second time.

1986: Drafted by Detroit Pistons

In 1986, Rodman was drafted by the Detroit Pistons as the third pick in the second round (27th overall).

1987: Playoff Feud with Dennis Johnson

During the 1987 playoffs, Rodman feuded with Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, taunting him during the series.

1987: Publication year of "The Art of the Deal"

In 1987, Donald Trump's book "The Art of the Deal" was published, a copy of which Dennis Rodman gifted to Kim Jong Un in 2017.

Trump: The Art of the Deal

Check it on Amazon

1988: Increased playing time and All-Defensive Team Selection

During the 1988–89 season, Rodman began seeing more playing time and was voted into the All-Defensive Team for the first time in his career.

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.

1989: NBA Championship with Pistons

In 1989, the Pistons won the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Rodman dominating the boards despite back spasms.

1989: Taking over Mahorn's role

In the 1989–90 season, after Rick Mahorn was lost in the expansion draft, Rodman seamlessly took over his role as a defensive force for the Pistons.

1990: Start of 1990-91 Season

During the 1990–91 season, Rodman finally established himself as the starting small forward of the Pistons.

1990: NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Second NBA Title

In 1990, Rodman won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and helped the Pistons win their second consecutive NBA title against the Portland Trail Blazers.

1991: Becomes One of the Best Rebounders

From 1991 on, Dennis Rodman established himself as one of the best rebounders of all time, averaging at least 15 rebounds per game in six of the next seven years.

1991: Second Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 1991, Rodman won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award while playing for the Detroit Pistons.

1991: Start of 1991-92 Season

In the 1991–92 season, Rodman began a remarkable leap in his rebounding, collecting an astounding 18.7 per game, and winning his first of seven consecutive rebounding crowns, along with scoring 9.8 points per game, and making his first All-NBA Team

March 4, 1992: Career-High Rebound Game

On March 4, 1992, Dennis Rodman had a career-high 34-rebound game.

March 1992: Career-High Rebounds

In March 1992, Rodman grabbed a career-high 34 rebounds in a single game.

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.

October 1, 1993: Trade to San Antonio Spurs

On October 1, 1993, after demanding a trade, the Pistons traded Rodman to the San Antonio Spurs.

1993: Joins the San Antonio Spurs

In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, playing alongside David Robinson and other supporting players. He played as a power forward, winning his third straight rebounding title and earning an All-Defensive Team call-up. Rodman also started showing unconventional behavior, such as dyeing his hair in various colors.

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.

1994: Clashes with Spurs and Rebounding Title

In 1994, Dennis Rodman clashed with the Spurs front office, resulting in suspensions and a leave of absence. Despite missing games due to a shoulder separation from a motorcycle accident, he managed to win his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and made the All-NBA Team.

1994: Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Loss

In 1994, Dennis Rodman continued to display unconventional behavior, including headbutting opponents and having a publicized affair with Madonna. Despite a 55-win season, the Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the 1994 playoffs by the Utah Jazz.

1994: Departure of Horace Grant

In 1994, Horace Grant left the Chicago Bulls team before the 1994-95 season, creating a void at power forward that would eventually be filled by Dennis Rodman via a trade in 1995.

1995: Trade to Chicago Bulls

In 1995, Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue, filling a need at power forward after Horace Grant's departure. Rodman chose the number 91 as his jersey number because his best friend Jack Haley was also traded to the Bulls.

January 16, 1996: First Triple-Double

On January 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman recorded his first triple-double against the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 10 points, grabbing 21 rebounds, and adding 10 assists.

March 16, 1996: Headbutts Referee and Receives Suspension

On March 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman headbutted referee Ted Bernhardt during a game in New Jersey. He was suspended for six games and fined $20,000, a punishment that was considered too lenient by the local press.

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.

1996: Key Role in 1996 NBA Finals Victory

In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman played a crucial role in the Bulls' victory against the Seattle SuperSonics. He had standout performances in Game Two and Game Six, securing numerous rebounds and unnerving Shawn Kemp. Rodman's contributions were acknowledged by Seattle's coach George Karl, who stated that Rodman won two basketball games for the Bulls.

1996: Sixth Rebounding Title

In the 1996-97 NBA season, Dennis Rodman won his sixth straight rebounding title with 16.7 boards per game.

1996: Historical Outburst in NBA Finals

Playing power forward as a member of the Spurs and the Bulls, Dennis Rodman had a historical outburst in the 1996 NBA Finals, twice snaring 11 offensive rebounds, equalling an all-time NBA record.

January 15, 1997: Kicks Cameraman and Receives Suspension

On January 15, 1997, Dennis Rodman kicked cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after tripping over him. Rodman ultimately paid Amos a $200,000 settlement, and the league suspended Rodman for 11 games without pay, effectively losing him $1 million.

December 29, 1997: Intentional Fouls and Free Throw Success

On December 29, 1997, Bubba Wells of the Dallas Mavericks committed six intentional fouls against Dennis Rodman in only three minutes, setting the record for the fastest foul out in NBA history. Rodman hit 9 of the 12 attempts.

1997: Bulls Rebuilding Phase

After the 1997-98 season, the Bulls started a massive rebuilding phase.

1997: Starring in Double Team

In 1997, Rodman had a starring role in the action film "Double Team".

1997: Regular Season

The regular season of 1997-98 ended with Dennis Rodman winning his seventh consecutive rebounding title with 15.0 boards per game, along with 4.7 points per game.

1998: Bulls Rebuilding Phase

After the 1997-98 season, the Bulls started a massive rebuilding phase, largely at the behest of general manager Jerry Krause.

1998: Seventh Rebounding Title and NBA Finals Appearance

In 1998, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title, averaging 15.0 boards per game, and reached the 1998 NBA Finals again versus the Jazz. Before game four, he caused consternation when he left his team to go wrestling with Hulk Hogan and was fined $20,000. The Bulls won their third title in a row, with Rodman winning his fifth ring.

1998: Joins the Los Angeles Lakers

With his sister acting as his agent at the time, in 1998 Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 21, 1999: Released by the Chicago Bulls

On January 21, 1999, Dennis Rodman was released by the Chicago Bulls before the start of the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season.

1999: Joins the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1999, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers for a pro-rated salary for the remainder of the 1998–1999 season.

1999: Starring in Simon Sez

In 1999, Rodman had a starring role in the action film "Simon Sez".

1999: Signed by Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, the then-38-year-old Dennis Rodman was signed by the Dallas Mavericks, returning Rodman to his hometown.

2000: Signed by Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, the then-38-year-old Dennis Rodman was signed by the Dallas Mavericks, returning Rodman to his hometown. Dallas had won 10 of 13 before his arrival but went just 4–9 until he was waived by the Mavericks.

2002: Arrested for interfering with police

In 2002, Dennis Rodman was arrested for interfering with police who were investigating a code violation at a restaurant he owned, though the charges were eventually dropped.

2003: Plays for Long Beach Jam and Wins ABA Championship

After a longer hiatus, in 2003 Dennis Rodman returned to play basketball for the Long Beach Jam of the newly formed American Basketball Association (ABA) during the 2003–04 season, with hopes of being called up to the NBA midseason. He helped the Jam win the ABA championship in their inaugural season.

2003: Arrested and charged with 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: Pleaded nolo contendere 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.

2004: Plays in Mexico

In 2004, Dennis Rodman played in Mexico with Fuerza Regia.

2004: Winning Celebrity Mole

In 2004, Rodman was the winner of the $222,000 main prize of the edition of Celebrity Mole.

2004: Signs with Orange County Crush

In the 2004–05 season, Dennis Rodman signed with the ABA's Orange County Crush.

November 2005: Plays in Finland

In November 2005, Dennis Rodman played one match for Torpan Pojat of Finland's basketball league, Korisliiga.

January 26, 2006: Signs with Brighton Bears

On January 26, 2006, it was announced that Dennis Rodman had signed a one-game "experiment" deal for the UK basketball team Brighton Bears of the British Basketball League to play Guildford Heat on January 28.

May 1, 2006: Plays Exhibition Game in the Philippines

On May 1, 2006, Dennis Rodman's team lost to the Philippine national basketball team 110–102 at the Araneta Coliseum, where he scored three points and recorded 16 rebounds.

April 30, 2008: Arrested following a domestic violence incident

On April 30, 2008, Dennis Rodman was arrested following a domestic violence incident at a Los Angeles hotel.

June 24, 2008: Pleaded no contest to spousal battery charges

On June 24, 2008, Dennis Rodman pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor spousal battery charges. He received three years of probation and was ordered to undergo one year of domestic violence counseling as well as 45 hours of community service.

April 1, 2011: Rodman's Jersey Retired

On April 1, 2011, the Detroit Pistons retired Rodman's No. 10 jersey.

April 4, 2011: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

On April 4, 2011, it was announced that Dennis Rodman would be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2012: Missed child-support payments

In 2012 Dennis Rodman was left trying to explain missed child-support payments in an Orange County, California, court, as funds were stolen by Peggy Ann Fulford, a professional scam artist, who was indicted by the FBI in 2016.

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.

November 21, 2016: Charged with hit and run, lying to police, and driving without a license

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, in July.

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.

2016: Fulford Indicted by the FBI

In 2016, Peggy Ann Fulford, who stole millions from Dennis Rodman and other athletes, was indicted by the FBI for her crimes.

February 2017: Pleaded guilty to charges

In February 2017, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to charges related to a hit and run accident. He was sentenced to three years of probation, 30 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay restitution and donate $500 to the Victim Witness Emergency Fund.

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.

Trump: The Art of the Deal

Check it on Amazon

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.

January 2018: Arrested for driving under the influence

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 to Prison

In February 2018, Peggy Ann Fulford, the scam artist who stole $1.24 million from Dennis Rodman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to provide full financial restitution to her victims.

June 2018: Visit to North Korea

In June 2018, Dennis Rodman visited North Korea, expressing his happiness to be a part of the 2018 North Korea–United States summit.

May 2019: Accusation of theft from yoga studio

In May 2019, the Los Angeles Times reported that Newport Beach yoga studio owner Ali Shah accused Dennis Rodman of helping steal over $3,500 worth of items from the studio's reception area, including a 400 lb decorative geode. Rodman disputed the account.