History of Dennis Rodman in Timeline

Dennis Rodman, nicknamed "The Worm," is a former professional basketball player celebrated for his exceptional rebounding and defensive skills. Often considered one of 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, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

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

Others born on this day/year

1971: Rebound records

In the 1991-92 season, Rodman collected an astounding 18.7 rebounds per game, with 1,530 season rebounds (the most since Wilt Chamberlain's 1,572 in the 1971-1972 season).

1972: Rebound records

In the 1991-92 season, Rodman collected an astounding 18.7 rebounds per game, with 1,530 season rebounds (the most since Wilt Chamberlain's 1,572 in the 1971-1972 season).

1982: Adoption by the Rich Family

In 1982, Dennis Rodman "adopted" the Rich family as his own, transitioning from city life to a rural lifestyle and forming a surrogate family that helped him through college.

1983: College Basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University

In 1983, Dennis Rodman began playing basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, marking the start of his three seasons there.

1985: NAIA Rebounding Leader

In 1985, Dennis Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding for the first time while playing for Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

1986: NAIA Semifinals and Rebounding Record

In 1986, Dennis Rodman led his team to the NAIA semifinals, scoring 46 points and grabbing a tournament-tying record of 32 rebounds in a single game.

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), joining the "Bad Boys" team.

1987: Publication of 'The Art of the Deal'

In 1987, Donald Trump's book 'The Art of the Deal' was published, and a copy was given to Kim Jong Un by Dennis Rodman in 2017 as a gift.

Trump: The Art of the Deal

Check it on Amazon

1987: Playoff Feud with Dennis Johnson

In 1987, during the playoffs, Dennis Rodman feuded with Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, taunting him in the closing seconds of a game. The Pistons ultimately lost the series to the Celtics.

1987: Improved Stats

In the 1987-88 season, Rodman steadily improved his stats.

1988: All-Defensive Team Selection

During the 1988-89 season, Dennis Rodman was voted into the All-Defensive Team for the first time in his career.

1988: NBA Finals Loss and Daughter's Birth

In 1988, the Detroit Pistons lost in seven games to 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 with the Pistons

In 1989, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 in the NBA Finals, with Dennis Rodman playing a key role in defense and rebounding.

1989: Loss of Rick Mahorn

In the 1989-90 season, Detroit lost defensive forward Rick Mahorn.

1990: Established as Starting Small Forward

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

1990: NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Championship

In 1990, Dennis Rodman won his first NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and claimed his second NBA title with the Detroit Pistons, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in five games.

1991: Rodman Establishes Himself as a Top Rebounder

From 1991, 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 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. However, the Pistons were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.

1991: Rodman's Rebounding

In the 1991-92 season, Rodman made a remarkable leap in his rebounding, 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: 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: Chuck Daly's Resignation and Rodman's Fine

In 1992, Dennis Rodman experienced a tough loss when coach Chuck Daly resigned. Rodman skipped the preseason camp and was fined $68,000.

February 1993: Suicide Attempt

In February 1993, Dennis Rodman drove to The Palace of Auburn Hills late one night carrying a loaded rifle in his truck, contemplating suicide. He was found by police after a friend called for a welfare check, leading to an epiphany and a decision to change his life.

October 1, 1993: Trade to San Antonio Spurs

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

1993: Rodman's Reinvention

In 1993, Dennis Rodman aborted a suicide attempt and reinvented himself as a "bad boy", becoming notorious for numerous controversial antics.

1993: Divorce and Missed Playoffs

In 1993, Dennis Rodman and Annie Bakes were divorcing, leaving him traumatized. The Pistons won only 40 games and missed the 1993 playoffs.

1993: Rodman Joins Spurs and Wins Rebounding Title

In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, playing as a power forward alongside David Robinson. He won his third straight rebounding title, averaging 17.3 rebounds per game, and was named to the All-Defensive Team. He also began displaying unconventional behavior, such as dyeing his hair in various colors.

1994: Horace Grant Leaves the Chicago Bulls

Before the 1995-96 season, Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls to fill a void at power forward left by Horace Grant, who had left the team before the 1994-95 season.

1994: Rodman's 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 motorcycle accident, he managed to win his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and made the All-NBA Team.

1994: Rodman's Unconventional Behavior and Spurs' Playoff Exit

In 1994, while with the Spurs, Dennis Rodman displayed unconventional behavior, including dyeing his hair and having a publicized affair with Madonna. Despite the Spurs winning 55 games, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Utah Jazz.

1995: Rodman Traded to Chicago Bulls

Before the 1995-96 NBA season, Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue. He chose to wear jersey number 91 and quickly adapted to his new environment, becoming part of the Bulls team that won 72 regular-season games.

January 16, 1996: Rodman's 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 providing 10 assists. He was also named to 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. The punishment was considered too lenient by the local press.

1996: Feelings For His Father

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

1996: Rodman Promotes Autobiography in a Wedding Dress

In 1996, Dennis Rodman gained publicity by wearing a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad As I Wanna Be", claiming he was marrying himself.

1996: Autobiography Release and Wedding Dress

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

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, he grabbed 20 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards, and in Game Six, he secured 19 rebounds, again with 11 offensive boards. His performance was crucial to the Bulls' success.

1996: Rodman's Offensive Rebounding Record in NBA Finals

In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman twice snared 11 offensive rebounds, equalling an all-time NBA record.

1996: Rodman's Sixth Rebounding Title

In the 1996-97 season, Dennis Rodman secured his sixth straight rebounding title. He made headlines due to his behavior.

January 15, 1997: Rodman Kicks Cameraman, Receives Suspension

On January 15, 1997, Dennis Rodman kicked cameraman Eugene Amos during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, resulting in an 11-game suspension and a $200,000 settlement to Amos. Rodman effectively lost $1 million due to the suspension.

December 29, 1997: Wells Sets Record for Fastest Foul Out 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. This strategy was an early version of the "Hack-a-Shaq" method.

1997: Bulls begin massive rebuilding phase

After the 1997-98 NBA season, the Bulls began a massive rebuilding phase. Head coach Phil Jackson and several team members left, including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

1997: Starring in Double Team

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

1997: Rodman Wins Rebounding Title

In the 1997-98 NBA season, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title with 15.0 boards per game.

1998: Bulls start a massive rebuilding phase

After the 1997-98 NBA season, the Bulls began a massive rebuilding phase, Head coach Phil Jackson and several team members left, including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

1998: Rodman joins the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1998, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers and played in only 23 games. He was released in the off-season.

1998: Rodman's Wrestling Stint and Bulls' Championship

In 1998, during the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Dennis Rodman left his team before Game Four to go wrestling with Hulk Hogan, resulting in a $20,000 fine. Despite this, the Bulls won their third title in a row, with Rodman playing a key role on the court.

January 21, 1999: Rodman Released by the 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 Signed by Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, Dennis Rodman was signed by the Dallas Mavericks. While averaging 14.3 rebounds per game, his erratic behavior alienated the franchise.

1999: Rodman's Time with the Los Angeles Lakers

In the remainder of the 1998-1999 season, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He played in only 23 games and was released in the offseason.

2000: Rodman's Time with the Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, Dennis Rodman played for the Dallas Mavericks. His erratic behavior alienated the team, and he was eventually waived.

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; the charges were eventually dropped.

2003: Rodman Returns to Basketball with Long Beach Jam

In 2003, Dennis Rodman returned to basketball by playing for the Long Beach Jam of the newly formed American Basketball Association 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 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, Nevada. 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 basketball in Mexico with Fuerza Regia.

2004: Winner of Celebrity Mole

In 2004, Dennis Rodman won the $222,000 main prize of the edition of Celebrity Mole.

2004: Rodman Signs with Orange County Crush

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

November 2005: Rodman Plays in Finland's Basketball League

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 UK basketball team Brighton Bears of the British Basketball League.

May 1, 2006: Rodman Plays Exhibition Game in 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: Arrest for Domestic Violence Incident

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

June 24, 2008: Plea of No Contest to Spousal Battery Charges

On June 24, 2008, Dennis Rodman again 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: Pistons Retire Rodman's Jersey

On April 1, 2011, the Detroit Pistons retired Dennis Rodman's No. 10 jersey, honoring his contributions to the team.

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: Child-support payments issue

In 2012 Dennis Rodman was left trying to explain the missed child-support payments in an Orange County, California court, due to professional scam artist Peggy Ann Fulford stealing funds Rodman believed were being distributed as child-support payments he owed to his first wife.

2012: Reunion with Father

In 2012, Dennis Rodman met his father again after more than 30 years.

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 with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Rodman and his travel party were the first Americans to meet Kim.

July 2013: Statement about Nobel Peace Prize

In July 2013, Dennis Rodman told Sports Illustrated: "My mission is to break the ice between hostile countries. Why it's been left to me to smooth things over, I don't know. Dennis Rodman, of all people. Keeping us safe is really not my job; it's the black guy's [Obama's] job. But I'll tell you this: If I don't finish in the top three for the next Nobel Peace Prize, something's seriously wrong."

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 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. He stated that he is "trying to open Obama's and everyone's minds" and encouraged Obama to reach out to Kim Jong Un.

December 2013: Announcement of Another Visit to North Korea

In December 2013, Dennis Rodman announced that he would visit North Korea again and that he has plans to take a number of former NBA players with him for an exhibition basketball tour.

2013: Estrangement from Rich Family

As of 2013, Dennis Rodman had stopped communicating with the Rich family after Byrne's mother allegedly referred to Rodman as a "nigger".

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: CNN Interview and Comments on Kenneth Bae

On January 7, 2014, Dennis Rodman made comments during a CNN interview implying that Kenneth Bae was at fault for his imprisonment. The remarks provoked criticism.

January 10, 2014: Exhibition Game in North Korea

Games were scheduled for January 8 (Kim Jong Un's birthday) and 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 with Early Release

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

November 21, 2016: Charged in Hit and Run Accident

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: Fulford Indicted by the FBI

In 2016 Peggy Ann Fulford was indicted by the FBI for stealing funds, that included money that Dennis Rodman believed were being distributed as child-support payments he owed to his first wife.

2016: Rodman Endorses Trump

In 2016, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.

2016: Rodman Tweeted Endorsement for Trump

In 2016, Dennis Rodman sent out an endorsement tweet, 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."

February 2017: Guilty Plea and Sentencing

In February 2017, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to charges related to a hit and run accident. He was sentenced to three years of probation and 30 hours of community service, 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 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, including two signed basketball jerseys, two soap sets, and a copy of Donald Trump's 1987 book The Art of the Deal.

Trump: The Art of the Deal

Check it on Amazon

December 2017: Professor Argues Rodman Could Bridge US-North Korea Standoff

In December 2017, Columbia University professor Joseph Terwilliger argued that Dennis Rodman's unique position as a friend to the leaders of both U.S. and North Korea could provide a much-needed bridge to help resolve the current nuclear standoff.

2017: Speculation about Government Involvement in North Korea Visit

In 2017, The Washington Post raised the question of whether President Donald Trump sent Dennis Rodman on his 2017 visit to negotiate the release of several American prisoners of North Korea or to open a back channel for diplomatic communications. The U.S. State Department, White House officials, and Rodman all denied any official government involvement in the visit.

2017: Agent Requests Release of Warmbier

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

January 2018: Arrested for DUI

In January 2018, Dennis Rodman was arrested for driving under the influence in Newport Beach, California. 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 provide full financial restitution to her victims.

June 2018: Visit to North Korea for Summit

In June 2018, Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again and said he was happy to be a part of the 2018 North Korea–United States summit.

May 2019: Accusation of Stealing 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. No charges had been filed at the time of reporting.

October 18, 2019: Misdemeanor Battery Charge

On October 18, 2019, Dennis Rodman was charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly slapping a man at the Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach, Florida.