History of Dennis Rodman in Timeline
Dennis Rodman, nicknamed "the Worm," is a retired American professional basketball player celebrated as one of the NBA's best rebounding forwards. He played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. Initially a small forward, he transitioned to power forward, gaining recognition for his exceptional defensive and rebounding skills.
May 13, 1961: Dennis Rodman's Birth
On May 13, 1961, Dennis Keith Rodman was born. He later became a professional basketball player known for his defensive and rebounding skills.
1971: Record Comparison
In the 1991-92 NBA season, Dennis Rodman's 1,530 season rebounds were the most since Wilt Chamberlain's 1,572 in the 1971-1972 season.
1972: Record Comparison
In the 1991-92 NBA season, Dennis Rodman's 1,530 season rebounds were the most since Wilt Chamberlain's 1,572 in the 1971-1972 season.
1982: Adoption by the Rich Family
In 1982, Dennis Rodman was "adopted" by the Rich family as his surrogate family, after befriending their son Byrne Rich at a basketball camp.
1983: College Career
Starting in 1983, Dennis Rodman played for Southeastern Oklahoma State University for three seasons.
1985: NAIA Rebounding Leader
In 1985, Dennis Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding while playing for Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
1986: NAIA Semifinals and NBA Draft Attention
In 1986, Dennis Rodman led his team to the NAIA semifinals, scoring 46 points and grabbing 32 rebounds in a single game. He was then invited to the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, catching the attention of the Detroit Pistons.
1986: Drafted by Detroit Pistons
In 1986, Dennis Rodman was drafted by the Detroit Pistons as the third pick in the second round (27th overall).
1987: Publication of The Art of the Deal
In 1987 Donald Trump published the book "The Art of the Deal", which Dennis Rodman later gifted to the North Korean Minister of Sports as a gift for Kim Jong Un.
1987: Playoff Feud with Dennis Johnson
In the 1987 playoffs, Dennis Rodman feuded with Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, taunting him during a game.
1987: Improving Stats
In the 1987-88 season, Dennis Rodman steadily improved his stats, averaging 11.6 points and 8.7 rebounds and starting in 32 games.
1988: Continued Bench Role
During the 1988-89 season, Dennis Rodman continued as a bench player, contributing effective defense and earning a spot on the All-Defensive Team.
1988: NBA Finals Loss and Daughter's Birth
In 1988, the Detroit Pistons lost in seven games against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Also in that year, Dennis Rodman and his girlfriend Annie had a daughter named Alexis.
1989: NBA Championship Win
In 1989, the Detroit Pistons won the NBA Championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 in the NBA Finals. Dennis Rodman dominated the boards, grabbing 19 rebounds in Game 3.
1989: Loss of Rick Mahorn
In the 1989-90 season, the Detroit Pistons lost defensive forward Rick Mahorn.
1990: Starting Small Forward
During the 1990-91 season, Dennis Rodman established himself as the starting small forward for the Detroit Pistons.
1990: Defensive Player of the Year Award and Second Championship
In 1990, Dennis Rodman won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and the Detroit Pistons claimed their second NBA title, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in five games.
1991: Rebounding Leap
During the 1991-92 season, Dennis Rodman made a remarkable leap in his rebounding, winning his first of seven consecutive rebounding crowns.
1991: Rodman Establishes Himself as a Top Rebounder
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, Dennis Rodman won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award, averaging 8.2 points and 12.5 rebounds. The Pistons were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.
March 4, 1992: Rodman's 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, Dennis Rodman grabbed a career-high 34 rebounds in a game.
1992: Coach Daly's Resignation and Fine
In May 1992, Dennis Rodman experienced a tough loss when coach Chuck Daly resigned. Rodman skipped the preseason camp and was fined $68,000.
February 1993: Suicidal Thoughts
In February 1993, Dennis Rodman drove to The Palace of Auburn Hills late one night carrying a loaded rifle in his truck, debating whether or not he wanted to continue living, an event later described in his biography.
October 1, 1993: Trade to San Antonio Spurs
On October 1, 1993, the Detroit Pistons traded Dennis Rodman to the San Antonio Spurs.
1993: Rodman Joins the Spurs
In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, a team centered around David Robinson. Rodman played power forward and won his third consecutive rebounding title, averaging 17.3 rebounds per game, and was named to the All-Defensive Team.
1993: Suicide Attempt and Reinvention
In 1993, after aborting a suicide attempt, Dennis Rodman reinvented himself as a "bad boy", becoming known for controversial antics.
1993: Divorce and Playoff Miss
In the 1992-93 season, Dennis Rodman and Annie Bakes were divorcing, and the Detroit Pistons missed the 1993 playoffs.
1994: Rodman's Clashes with Spurs Front Office
During the 1994 season, Dennis Rodman clashed with the San Antonio Spurs front office. He was suspended multiple times and suffered a shoulder separation in a motorcycle accident. Despite playing only 49 games, Rodman secured his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and made the All-NBA Team.
1994: Horace Grant Leaves The Bulls
Horace Grant left the Chicago Bulls before the 1994-95 season, creating a void at the power forward position which Rodman would later fill.
1994: Rodman's Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Exit
In 1994, Dennis Rodman displayed unconventional behavior, including dyeing his hair in various colors and having an affair with Madonna. During the season, Rodman headbutted Stacey King and John Stockton, refused to leave the court after being ejected. The Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the 1994 playoffs by the Utah Jazz.
1995: Rodman Traded to the Chicago Bulls
Before the 1995-96 season, Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue to fill the power forward position. He chose the number 91 since the number 10 was retired. Rodman adapted well, averaging 5.5 points and 14.9 rebounds per game, winning another rebounding title as part of the Bulls team that achieved a 72-10 regular-season record.
January 16, 1996: Rodman's Triple-Double Against the Philadelphia 76ers
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. He was named in the All-NBA Defense First Team.
March 16, 1996: Rodman Headbutts Referee and Receives Suspension
On March 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman headbutted referee Ted Bernhardt during a game in New Jersey, resulting in a six-game suspension and a $20,000 fine.
1996: Rodman's Antics
In 1996 Rodman garnered much publicity for his public antics.
1996: Rodman Wears Wedding Dress to Promote Autobiography
In 1996, Dennis Rodman garnered attention for wearing a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad As I Wanna Be", claiming he was marrying himself.
1996: Autobiography Promotion
In 1996, Dennis Rodman wore a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad as I Wanna Be".
1996: Feelings for his Father
In his 1996 biography, "Bad As I Wanna Be", Dennis Rodman expressed his feelings about not having a relationship with his father for over 30 years.
1996: Rodman's Impact in the 1996 NBA Finals Victory
In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman played a significant role in the Chicago Bulls' victory against the Seattle SuperSonics. In Game Two, Rodman secured 20 rebounds, including a record-tying 11 offensive boards. In Game Six, he again grabbed 19 rebounds and 11 offensive boards. Rodman's performance was pivotal in the Bulls' success.
1996: Rodman's Performance in 1996 NBA Finals
In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman twice snared 11 offensive rebounds, equalling an all-time NBA record.
January 15, 1997: Rodman Kicks Cameraman, Faces Suspension
On January 15, 1997, during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dennis Rodman kicked cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin after tripping over him. Rodman was suspended for 11 games without pay and paid Amos a $200,000 settlement.
December 29, 1997: Intentional Fouls Against Rodman
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 in an attempt to exploit Rodman's poor free throw shooting. Rodman made 9 of 12 free throws, foiling the plan.
1997: End of Chicago Bulls Era
After the 1997-98 season, the Bulls started a massive rebuilding phase. Head coach Phil Jackson and several members of the team left.
1997: Starring in Double Team
In 1997, Dennis Rodman had a starring role in the action film "Double Team".
1997: Rodman Wins Rebounding Title and Reaches NBA Finals
In the 1996-1997 NBA season, Dennis Rodman secured his sixth consecutive rebounding title, averaging 16.7 rebounds per game. The Chicago Bulls reached the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, with Rodman playing a key role in their victory.
1998: End of Chicago Bulls Era
After the 1997-98 season, the Bulls started a massive rebuilding phase. Head coach Phil Jackson and several members of the team left.
1998: Rodman Joins the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1998, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers, playing 23 games and averaging 2 points and 11 rebounds per game.
1998: Rodman Wins Seventh Rebounding Title and Another NBA Championship
In 1998, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title with 15.0 rebounds per game. Before Game Four of the 1998 NBA Finals, Rodman left the team to go wrestling with Hulk Hogan, resulting in a $20,000 fine. The Chicago Bulls won their third title in a row, with Rodman securing his fifth NBA ring.
January 21, 1999: Rodman 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: Starring in Simon Sez
In 1999, Dennis Rodman had a starring role in the action film "Simon Sez".
1999: Rodman Released by the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1999, Dennis Rodman played for the Los Angeles Lakers and was released in the offseason after playing in only 23 games.
1999: Rodman Signs with Dallas Mavericks
In the 1999-2000 season, Dennis Rodman signed with the Dallas Mavericks. He played 12 games, received six technical fouls, was ejected twice, and served a one-game suspension.
2000: Rodman's Brief Stint and Release from Dallas Mavericks
In 2000, Dennis Rodman's brief stint with the Dallas Mavericks was marked by erratic behavior. He was eventually waived by the team after playing 12 games.
2002: Arrest for Interfering with Police
In 2002, Dennis Rodman was arrested for interfering with police investigating a code violation at a restaurant he owned. However, the charges were eventually dropped.
2003: Rodman Returns to Basketball with Long Beach Jam
In 2003, after a hiatus, Dennis Rodman returned to basketball, playing for the Long Beach Jam of the American Basketball Association (ABA) during the 2003-04 season, with the aim of being called up to the NBA.
2003: Arrest 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: Drunk Driving Arrest
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: Rodman Plays in Mexico with Fuerza Regia
In 2004, Dennis Rodman played in Mexico with Fuerza Regia.
2004: Winner of Celebrity Mole
In 2004, Dennis Rodman was the winner of the $222,000 main prize of the edition of Celebrity Mole.
2004: Rodman Signs with ABA's Orange County Crush
In 2004, during the 2004-05 season, Dennis Rodman signed with the Orange County Crush of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
November 2005: Rodman Plays for Torpan Pojat in Finland
In November 2005, Dennis Rodman played one match for Torpan Pojat of Finland's basketball league, Korisliiga.
January 26, 2006: Rodman Signs with Brighton Bears
On January 26, 2006, Dennis Rodman signed a one-game deal with the Brighton Bears of the British Basketball League to play against Guildford Heat.
May 1, 2006: Rodman Plays Exhibition Game in Philippines
On May 1, 2006, Dennis Rodman played in an exhibition game in the Philippines, where his team lost to the Philippine national basketball team 110-102 at the Araneta Coliseum. Rodman scored three points and recorded 16 rebounds.
April 30, 2008: Arrest Following Domestic Violence Incident
On April 30, 2008, Dennis Rodman was arrested following a domestic violence incident at a Los Angeles hotel.
June 24, 2008: No Contest Plea to Spousal Battery Charges
On June 24, 2008, Dennis Rodman pleaded no contest to 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 Dennis Rodman's No. 10 jersey.
April 4, 2011: Rodman to be 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: Reunion with his Father
Dennis Rodman would meet his father again in 2012 after more than 30 years of separation.
2012: Child Support Payment Issue
In 2012, Dennis Rodman was left trying to explain missed child support payments in an Orange County, California, court due to funds being stolen by Peggy Ann Fulford.
February 26, 2013: Trip to North Korea and Meeting with Kim Jong Un
On February 26, 2013, Dennis Rodman made a trip to North Korea with Vice Media correspondent Ryan Duffy to host basketball exhibitions and met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Rodman and his travel party were the first Americans to meet Kim.
July 2013: Comments on International Relations
In July 2013, Dennis Rodman told Sports Illustrated about his "mission" to break the ice between hostile countries, expressing his belief 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, and discussed Kim's daughter and potential training of the North Korean national basketball team.
December 2013: Announcement of North Korea Visit and Exhibition Tour
In December 2013, Dennis Rodman announced plans to visit North Korea again with former NBA players for an exhibition basketball tour, scheduled for January 2014.
2013: Falling out with Rich Family
As of 2013, Dennis Rodman had stopped communicating with the Rich family.
2013: Befriending Kim Jong Un
In 2013, Dennis Rodman attracted international attention for his visits to North Korea and his subsequent befriending of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
January 7, 2014: Controversial CNN Interview
On January 7, 2014, Dennis Rodman made controversial comments during a CNN interview implying that Kenneth Bae was at fault for his imprisonment, sparking widespread criticism.
January 10, 2014: Basketball Game in North Korea
Dennis Rodman's team held one of two exhibition basketball games in North Korea on January 10, 2014.
July 24, 2015: Endorsement of 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 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: Hit and Run Charges
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's Presidential Campaign
In 2016, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.
2016: Endorsement Tweet for Donald Trump
In 2016, Dennis Rodman sent out an endorsement tweet stating his support for Donald Trump's presidential campaign.
2016: Fulford Indicted by FBI
In 2016, Peggy Ann Fulford, who stole funds from Dennis Rodman intended for child support payments, was indicted by the FBI.
February 2017: Guilty Plea and Sentencing for Hit and Run
In February 2017, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to hit and run charges. He was sentenced to three years of probation and 30 hours of community service. He was also ordered to pay restitution and donate $500 to the Victim Witness Emergency Fund.
June 13, 2017: Return Visit to North Korea
On June 13, 2017, Dennis Rodman returned to North Korea, meeting with national Olympic athletes and basketball players, viewing a men's basketball practice, and visiting a state-run orphanage. He also gifted the nation's Minister of Sports, for Kim Jong Un, two signed basketball jerseys, two soap sets, and a copy of Donald Trump's 1987 book The Art of the Deal.
December 2017: Rodman as a Potential Bridge between US and North Korea
In December 2017, Columbia University professor Joseph Terwilliger argued 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: Request for Warmbier's Release
In 2017, Dennis Rodman's agent, Chris Volo, told ABC News that before they left for the trip, he had asked North Korean officials to release Warmbier as a symbol of good faith for any future sports-relations visits. Volo stated, "I asked on behalf of Dennis for his release three times."
2017: Speculation about Role in US-North Korea Relations
In 2017, The Washington Post questioned whether President Donald Trump sent Dennis Rodman on his visit to negotiate the release of American prisoners or open a back channel for diplomatic communications. The U.S. State Department, White House officials, and Rodman denied any official government involvement in the visit.
January 2018: Arrest 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, professional scam artist Peggy Ann Fulford, who stole $1.24 million from Dennis Rodman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay full financial restitution to her victims.
June 2018: Visit to North Korea for Summit
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.
October 18, 2019: Misdemeanor Battery Charge
On October 18, 2019, Dennis Rodman was charged with misdemeanor battery after slapping a man at the Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach, Florida.
2020: Endorsement of Kanye West's Presidential Campaign
In 2020, Dennis Rodman endorsed and campaigned for the presidential campaign of rapper Kanye West.
October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Dennis Rodman was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all-time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2024: Endorsement of Donald Trump’s 2024 Presidential Campaign
In 2024, Rodman endorsed Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
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