History of Dennis Rodman in Timeline
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.
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.
1971: Reference to Wilt Chamberlain's Record
In the 1991-92 season, Dennis Rodman's 1,530 rebounds were the most since Wilt Chamberlain's 1,572 in the 1971-1972 season.
1972: Reference to Wilt Chamberlain's Record
In the 1991-92 season, Dennis Rodman's 1,530 rebounds were the most since Wilt Chamberlain's 1,572 in the 1971-1972 season.
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.
1985: Rodman Leads NAIA in Rebounding
In 1985, Dennis Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding while playing for Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
1986: Rodman Leads NAIA in Rebounding Again
In 1986, Dennis Rodman again led the NAIA in rebounding and had a standout performance in the NAIA semifinals for Southeastern Oklahoma State University, scoring 46 points and grabbing 32 rebounds.
1986: Rodman 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 Year of "The Art of the Deal"
In 1987, Donald Trump's book "The Art of the Deal" was published. This book was later gifted to Kim Jong Un by Dennis Rodman during his trip to North Korea in 2017.
1987: Pistons Bow Out of Playoffs Against Celtics
In 1987, the Detroit Pistons, including Dennis Rodman, lost to the Boston Celtics in a physically and mentally tough seven-game series in the playoffs. Rodman feuded and taunted Celtics guard Dennis Johnson.
1987: Improving Stats
In the 1987-88 season, Dennis Rodman steadily improved his stats.
1988: Continued Bench Role
During the 1988-89 NBA season, Dennis Rodman remained a bench player, contributing strong defense.
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.
1989: Mahorn loss
During the 1989-90 season, Detroit lost Rick Mahorn to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the expansion draft.
1989: Pistons Win NBA Finals
In 1989, Dennis Rodman and the Detroit Pistons swept the Boston Celtics, defeated the Chicago Bulls, and won the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Rodman grabbed 19 rebounds in Game 3, despite back spasms.
1990: Rodman establishes himself as a player
During the 1990-91 NBA season, Dennis Rodman established himself as the starting small forward for the Detroit Pistons.
1990: Pistons Win Second Title
In 1990, Dennis Rodman won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Pistons beat the Bulls again, and then defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA Finals, claiming their second title. Rodman played through an injured ankle.
1991: Rodman's Rebounding Leap
During the 1991-92 NBA season, Dennis Rodman made a remarkable leap in rebounding, averaging 18.7 rebounds per game and winning his first of seven consecutive rebounding crowns.
1991: Established as Top Rebounder
From 1991, Dennis Rodman established himself as one of the best rebounders of all time.
1991: Rodman Wins Second Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 1991, Dennis Rodman won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award while playing for the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.
March 4, 1992: Career-High Rebound Game
On March 4, 1992, Dennis Rodman had a career-high 34-rebound game.
March 1992: Rodman Grabs Career-High Rebounds
In March 1992, Dennis Rodman grabbed a career-high 34 rebounds in a single game.
1992: Daly's Resignation and Fine for Rodman
In May 1992, Dennis Rodman experienced a loss when coach Chuck Daly resigned. Rodman skipped the preseason camp and was fined $68,000.
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.
October 1, 1993: Rodman Traded to San Antonio Spurs
On October 1, 1993, Dennis Rodman was traded by the Detroit Pistons to the San Antonio Spurs.
1993: Joins Spurs
In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, playing power forward alongside David Robinson. He secured his third consecutive rebounding title, averaging 17.3 rebounds per game. He also earned an All-Defensive Team selection.
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.
1994: Horace Grant leaves Bulls
In 1994, Horace Grant departed from the Chicago Bulls, creating a need for a new power forward that Dennis Rodman eventually filled.
1994: Clashes with Spurs Front Office
In 1994, Rodman clashed with the Spurs front office, resulting in multiple suspensions and a leave of absence. He returned after missing 19 games and suffered a shoulder separation in a motorcycle accident. Despite missing games, he secured his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and earned an All-NBA Team selection.
1995: Trade to Chicago Bulls
In 1995, Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue to fill the power forward position left by Horace Grant. He chose jersey number 91 because his preferred number 10 was retired by the Bulls. Despite concerns, Rodman adapted to his new environment, contributing to the Bulls' record-breaking 72-win season.
January 16, 1996: First Triple-Double
On January 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman recorded his first career triple-double against the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 10 points, grabbing 21 rebounds, and adding 10 assists. He also joined Jordan and Pippen in the All-NBA Defense First Team due to his tough defense.
March 16, 1996: Headbutts Referee
On March 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman headbutted referee Ted Bernhardt during a game in New Jersey. He received a six-game suspension and a $20,000 fine for his actions, a punishment that was considered too lenient by the local press.
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".
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.
1996: Historical Rebounding Performance
In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman had a historical rebounding performance, twice snaring 11 offensive rebounds, equaling an all-time NBA record.
1996: Impact in 1996 NBA Finals
In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman played a significant role in the Bulls' victory against the Seattle SuperSonics. Notably, he grabbed 20 rebounds in Game Two, including a record-tying 11 offensive boards, and 19 rebounds in Game Six, again with 11 offensive boards. His performance led to praise from Seattle's coach, George Karl.
1996: Sixth Rebounding Title
In the 1996 season, Rodman secured his sixth consecutive rebounding title.
January 15, 1997: Kicks Cameraman
On January 15, 1997, Dennis Rodman kicked cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was suspended for 11 games and paid Amos a $200,000 settlement, resulting in a $1 million loss.
1997: Bulls NBA Finals victory
In 1997, Dennis Rodman and the Bulls reached the NBA Finals.
1997: Starring role in Double Team
In 1997, Dennis Rodman had a starring role in the action film Double Team.
1997: Continued Success with the Bulls
In 1997, Rodman's season was marked by his sixth consecutive rebounding title and controversial behavior. He kicked a cameraman, leading to suspension and financial loss. Despite struggles in the playoffs, he contributed to the Bulls' NBA Finals victory against the Utah Jazz.
1998: Joins Los Angeles Lakers
In 1998, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He played in 23 games.
1998: Seventh Rebounding Title and NBA Finals Appearance
In 1998, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title. Prior to Game Four of the NBA Finals versus the Jazz, he controversially left the team to wrestle with Hulk Hogan. He contributed to the Bulls' victory, securing his fifth championship ring.
1998: Bulls Rebuilding Phase and Rodman's Release
In 1998, the Chicago Bulls began a rebuilding phase. Players such as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen left the team.
January 21, 1999: Released by Bulls
On January 21, 1999, Dennis Rodman was released by the Chicago Bulls before the start of the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season.
August 1999: Arrest for Public Drunkenness
In August 1999, Dennis Rodman was arrested for public drunkenness after an altercation at Woody's Wharf in Newport Beach, California. He spent the night in jail, but the charges were eventually dropped.
November 5, 1999: Misdemeanor Battery Charge
On November 5, 1999, Dennis Rodman and his then-wife, Carmen Electra, were charged with misdemeanor battery after police were notified of a domestic disturbance. Both posted bail and were released with a temporary restraining order. The charges were later dropped the next month.
December 1999: Arrest for Drunk Driving
In December 1999, Dennis Rodman was arrested for drunk driving and driving without a valid driver's license.
1999: Starring role in Simon Sez
In 1999, Dennis Rodman had a starring role in the action film Simon Sez.
1999: Signed by Dallas Mavericks
In 1999, Dennis Rodman signed with the Dallas Mavericks. The league forbade him from wearing the jersey number 69 and he wound up wearing number 70 instead. Rodman lived in team owner Mark Cuban's guest house until the league prevented it because it violated salary cap rules.
1999: Leaves the Lakers
In 1999, Dennis Rodman's time with the Los Angeles Lakers came to an end when he was released in the offseason.
July 2000: Guilty Plea for Drunk Driving
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.
2000: Waived by Dallas Mavericks
In 2000, Dennis Rodman was waived by the Dallas Mavericks after playing 12 games due to his erratic behavior and negative impact on the team.
2002: Arrest for Interference 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. Police appeared over 70 times at his Newport Beach home due to loud parties.
2003: Joins Long Beach Jam
In 2003, Dennis Rodman returned to basketball, joining the Long Beach Jam of the American Basketball Association, with aspirations of returning 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: Plea of 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.
2004: Plays in Mexico
In 2004, Dennis Rodman played basketball in Mexico with Fuerza Regia.
2004: Signs with Orange County Crush
In 2004, Dennis Rodman signed with the Orange County Crush of the ABA.
2004: Winner of Celebrity Mole
In 2004, Dennis Rodman won the $222,000 main prize of the Celebrity Mole reality TV series.
November 2005: Plays in Finland
In November 2005, Dennis Rodman played one match for Torpan Pojat in Finland's Korisliiga basketball league.
January 26, 2006: Signs with Brighton Bears
On January 26, 2006, Dennis Rodman signed a one-game deal with the Brighton Bears of the British Basketball League.
May 1, 2006: Exhibition Game in the Philippines
On May 1, 2006, Dennis Rodman's team played an exhibition game against the Philippine national basketball team at the Araneta Coliseum, where his team lost.
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: Plea of No Contest 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 by Pistons
On April 1, 2011, the Detroit Pistons retired Dennis Rodman's No. 10 jersey.
April 4, 2011: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
On April 4, 2011, Dennis Rodman was announced as an inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
2012: Rodman Reconnects with Father
Dennis Rodman would not meet his father again until 2012, after more than 30 years of separation.
2012: Missed Child-Support Payments
In 2012, Dennis Rodman was left trying to explain missed child-support payments in an Orange County, California, court. These missed payments were due to Peggy Ann Fulford stealing funds Rodman believed were being distributed as child-support payments.
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 7, 2014: Comments on Kenneth Bae's Imprisonment
On January 7, 2014, Dennis Rodman made comments during a CNN interview implying that Kenneth Bae was at fault for his imprisonment in North Korea. The remarks sparked widespread criticism.
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.
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 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.
2016: Peggy Ann Fulford Indicted by FBI
In 2016, Peggy Ann Fulford was indicted by the FBI for her crimes, which included stealing funds from Dennis Rodman that he believed were being used for child support payments.
February 2017: Guilty Plea for Hit and Run
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: 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.
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.
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: Peggy Ann Fulford sentenced to prison
In February 2018, Peggy Ann Fulford, a professional scam artist/fraudster, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and full financial restitution for stealing $1.24 million from Dennis Rodman.
June 2018: Visit to North Korea
In June 2018, Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again and expressed his happiness at being a part of the 2018 North Korea–United States summit.
May 2019: Accusation of Theft from Yoga Studio
In May 2019, Ali Shah, a Newport Beach yoga studio owner, accused Dennis Rodman of helping steal over $3,500 worth of items from the studio's reception area, including a 400 lb (180 kg) decorative geode. Rodman disputed the account. No charges were filed at the time of reporting.
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 and Campaigning for Kanye West
In 2020, Dennis Rodman endorsed and campaigned for the presidential campaign of rapper Kanye West.
October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Dennis Rodman was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, honoring him as one of the league's greatest players of all time.
2024: Endorsement of Donald Trump's 2024 Presidential Campaign
In 2024, Dennis Rodman endorsed Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
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