History of Dennis Rodman in Timeline
Dennis Rodman, nicknamed "the Worm," is a retired American professional basketball player celebrated for his exceptional defensive and rebounding skills. Considered one of the greatest rebounding forwards in NBA history, 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 during his career, leaving a significant mark on the sport.
May 13, 1961: Dennis Rodman's Birth
On May 13, 1961, Dennis Keith Rodman was born. He would later become a professional basketball player known for his defensive and rebounding abilities.
1971: Referenced Record
In 1971, Wilt Chamberlin had 1,572 season rebounds
1972: Referenced Record
In 1972, Wilt Chamberlin had 1,572 season rebounds
1982: Adopted the Riches as His Own
In 1982, Dennis Rodman 'adopted' the Riches as his own family, transitioning from city life to a rural lifestyle.
1983: Began playing for Southeastern Oklahoma State University
In 1983, Dennis Rodman began playing for Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
1985: Led NAIA in Rebounding
In 1985, Dennis Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding for the first time while at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
1986: Led NAIA in Rebounding Again
In 1986, Dennis Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding for the second time and helped his team reach the NAIA semifinals where he set a tournament-tying record.
1986: Drafted by the Detroit Pistons
In 1986, Dennis Rodman was drafted by the Detroit Pistons as the third pick in the second round (27th overall).
1987: Pistons Enter Playoffs
In 1987, the Detroit Pistons entered the playoffs but were defeated by the Boston Celtics in seven games. Dennis Rodman feuded with Celtics guard Dennis Johnson.
1987: Gifted Trump's "The Art of the Deal"
In 2017, Dennis Rodman presented North Korean officials with a copy of Donald Trump's 1987 book, "The Art of the Deal," as a gift for Kim Jong Un.
1987: Improved Stats in 1987-88 Season
In the 1987-88 NBA Season, Dennis Rodman steadily improved his stats, averaging 11.6 points and 8.7 rebounds, and starting in 32 of 82 regular season games.
1988: 1988-89 Season
During the 1988-89 season, Rodman remained a bench player.
1988: Loss in NBA Finals and Birth of Daughter Alexis
In 1988, the Detroit Pistons lost in the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers. Also in 1988, Rodman and his girlfriend Annie had a daughter named Alexis.
1989: Loss of Rick Mahorn
In 1989, Detroit lost perennial defensive forward Rick Mahorn.
1989: Won First NBA Championship
In 1989, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 in the NBA Finals, securing Dennis Rodman's first NBA championship.
1990: Established Himself as Starting Small Forward
During the 1990-91 season, Dennis Rodman finally established himself as the starting small forward for the Pistons.
1990: Won Defensive Player of the Year and Second NBA Title
In 1990, Dennis Rodman won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. Also in 1990, the Detroit Pistons claimed their second NBA title, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers.
1991: Won Second Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 1991, Dennis Rodman won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award.
1991: Remarkable Leap in Rebounding
In the 1991-92 season, Dennis Rodman made a remarkable leap in his rebounding, winning his first of seven consecutive rebounding crowns.
March 1992: Career High Rebounds
In March 1992, Dennis Rodman grabbed a career-high 34 rebounds in a single game.
1992: Chuck Daly Resignation and Fine
In May 1992, coach Chuck Daly resigned, leading Dennis Rodman to skip preseason camp and be fined.
February 1993: Suicide Contemplation
In February 1993, Dennis Rodman contemplated suicide, driving to The Palace with a loaded rifle, but ultimately had an epiphany and decided to change his life.
October 1, 1993: Traded to the San Antonio Spurs
On October 1, 1993, the Detroit Pistons traded Dennis Rodman to the San Antonio Spurs.
1993: Aborted Suicide Attempt and Reinvention
In 1993, Dennis Rodman aborted a suicide attempt and reinvented himself as a "bad boy," becoming known for controversial antics.
1993: Divorce and Pistons Miss Playoffs
In 1993, Dennis Rodman and Annie Bakes divorced. The Pistons missed the 1993 playoffs.
1993: Joined San Antonio Spurs
In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs and began playing power forward.
1994: Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Exit
In 1994, Dennis Rodman exhibited unconventional behavior including hair dyeing and a publicized affair. The Spurs bowed out in the first round of the 1994 playoffs.
1996: Wore Wedding Dress to Promote Autobiography
In 1996, Dennis Rodman wore a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad as I Wanna Be".
1996: Expressed Feelings for His Father in Biography
In his 1996 biography, Dennis Rodman expressed his feelings for his father, whom he had not seen in over 30 years.
1997: Starred in Double Team
In 1997, Dennis Rodman had a starring role in the action film Double Team.
July 1998: Tag Team Match at Bash at the Beach
In July 1998, Dennis Rodman teamed up with Hulk Hogan and defeated Karl Malone and Diamond Dallas Page in a poorly received tag team match at Bash at the Beach.
1998: Joined Special Ops Force
In 1998, Dennis Rodman joined the cast of the syndicated TV show Special Ops Force, playing 'Deke' Reynolds.
December 1999: Arrested for Drunk Driving
In December 1999, Dennis Rodman was arrested for drunk driving and driving without a valid driver's license.
1999: Starred in Simon Sez
In 1999, Dennis Rodman had a starring role in the action film Simon Sez.
July 2000: Guilty Plea for Drunk Driving
In July 2000, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to drunk driving and driving without a valid driver's license, receiving fines and a treatment program.
July 30, 2000: i-Generation Superstars of Wrestling
On July 30, 2000, Dennis Rodman competed against Curt Hennig for the i-Generation championship in an Australian Outback match, which he lost by disqualification, leading to his retirement from top-level wrestling.
2000: Co-starred in Cutaway
In 2000, Dennis Rodman co-starred with Tom Berenger in the action film about skydiving titled Cutaway.
April 2004: Plead No Contest to Drunk Driving
In April 2004, Dennis Rodman pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) to drunk driving in Las Vegas, receiving a fine and home detention.
2004: Won Celebrity Mole
In 2004, Dennis Rodman won the $222,000 main prize of the Celebrity Mole TV show.
2005: Commissioner of the Lingerie Football League
In 2005, Dennis Rodman became the Commissioner of the Lingerie Football League.
2005: Posed Naked for PETA
In 2005, Dennis Rodman posed naked for PETA's "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign.
January 2006: Celebrity Big Brother UK Appearance
In January 2006, Dennis Rodman appeared on the fourth version of Celebrity Big Brother in the UK.
July 26, 2006: Love Island UK Appearance
On July 26, 2006, Dennis Rodman appeared on the UK series Love Island as a houseguest contracted to stay for a week.
April 30, 2008: Arrested for Domestic Violence
On April 30, 2008, Dennis Rodman was arrested following a domestic violence incident at a Los Angeles hotel.
May 2008: Entered Outpatient Rehab
In May 2008, Dennis Rodman entered an outpatient rehab center in Florida.
June 24, 2008: No Contest Plea to Spousal Battery
On June 24, 2008, Dennis Rodman pleaded no contest to misdemeanor spousal battery charges, receiving probation, counseling, and community service.
2008: Spokesman for OPENSports.com
In 2008, Dennis Rodman became a spokesman for the sports website OPENSports.com, writing a blog and answering members' questions.
March 29, 2009: Eliminated from Celebrity Apprentice
On March 29, 2009, Dennis Rodman was the fifth contestant eliminated from Celebrity Apprentice, having raised money for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Orleans.
May 2009: Intervention on Celebrity Apprentice
In May 2009, Dennis Rodman's behavior on Celebrity Apprentice led to an intervention involving Phil Jackson, family, and friends.
January 10, 2010: Removed from Restaurant for Disruptive Behavior
On January 10, 2010, the same day that Celebrity Rehab premiered, Dennis Rodman was removed from an Orange County restaurant for disruptive behavior.
April 1, 2011: Pistons Retire Rodman's Jersey
On April 1, 2011, the Detroit Pistons retired Dennis Rodman's No. 10 jersey. Also in 2011, Rodman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
March 2012: Financial Advisor's Statement on Alcoholism
In March 2012, Dennis Rodman's financial advisor stated that Rodman is an alcoholic, impacting his ability to get work.
2012: Child support payment issues
In 2012, Dennis Rodman faced issues in an Orange County, California, court regarding missed child support payments, unaware that the funds he believed were being paid were being stolen by Peggy Ann Fulford.
2012: Reunion with Father
In 2012, Dennis Rodman met with his father again after more than 30 years.
February 26, 2013: Rodman meets Kim Jong Un in North Korea
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 American to meet him.
March 2013: Visit to Vatican City During Papal Conclave
In March 2013, Dennis Rodman arrived at the Vatican City during voting in the papal conclave for the selection of a new pope; the trip was organized by an Irish gambling company.
April 7, 2013: Eliminated from Celebrity Apprentice Again
On April 7, 2013, Dennis Rodman was the sixth contestant eliminated from Celebrity Apprentice, raising $20,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
July 2013: Launched Bad Boy Vodka
In July 2013, Dennis Rodman joined Premier Brands to launch and promote Bad Boy Vodka.
July 2013: Rodman comments on international relations
In July 2013, Dennis Rodman stated his mission was to break the ice between hostile countries and joked about being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
September 3, 2013: Rodman visits Kim Jong Un again
On September 3, 2013, Dennis Rodman flew to Pyongyang for another meeting with Kim Jong Un, mentioned Kim's daughter, and expressed his intention to train the North Korean national basketball team.
December 2013: Rodman announces trip to North Korea with former NBA players
In December 2013, Dennis Rodman announced plans to visit North Korea again, accompanied by a number of former NBA players for an exhibition basketball tour.
2013: Stopped Communicating with the Rich Family
As of 2013, Dennis Rodman had stopped communicating with the Rich family after a racial slur was allegedly used.
2013: Befriended Kim Jong Un
In 2013, Dennis Rodman attracted international attention for his visits to North Korea and befriending North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
January 7, 2014: Rodman 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, sparking controversy.
January 10, 2014: Exhibition Games Scheduled
Games were scheduled for January 10, 2014, as part of Dennis Rodman's visit to North Korea with former NBA players.
January 15, 2014: Entered Rehab for Alcohol Abuse
On January 15, 2014, Dennis Rodman entered a rehabilitation facility to seek treatment for alcohol abuse following a trip to North Korea.
July 24, 2015: Rodman endorses Donald Trump
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 raising awareness of his case, leading to his expedited release from imprisonment in North Korea.
November 21, 2016: Charged in Hit and Run
On November 21, 2016, Dennis Rodman was charged with causing a hit and run accident, lying to police, and driving without a license.
2016: Rodman's Endorsement of Trump
In 2016, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump for president and was described as Trump and Kim's only mutual acquaintance.
2016: Endorsement Tweet
In 2016, Dennis Rodman publicly endorsed Donald Trump for president, stating that Trump had been a great friend for many years.
2016: Fulford indicted by the FBI
In 2016, Peggy Ann Fulford was indicted by the FBI for her crimes, including stealing funds from Dennis Rodman that were intended for child support payments.
February 2017: Guilty Plea in Hit and Run Case
In February 2017, Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty to charges in a hit and run case, receiving probation, community service, and restitution.
June 13, 2017: Rodman returns to North Korea
On June 13, 2017, Dennis Rodman returned to North Korea on a visit initially described as sports-related, aiming to promote sports in the country.
December 2017: Rodman as a 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: Rodman requested Warmbier's Release
In 2017, Chris Volo, Dennis Rodman's agent, 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.
2017: Questions raised about Rodman's role in North Korea negotiations
In 2017, The Washington Post questioned whether Dennis Rodman's visit was to negotiate the release of American prisoners in North Korea or to open diplomatic channels.
January 2018: Arrested for DUI
In January 2018, Dennis Rodman was arrested for driving under the influence in Newport Beach and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges, receiving three years of probation.
February 2018: Peggy Fulford sentenced to prison
In February 2018, Peggy Ann Fulford, who had defrauded Dennis Rodman and others, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay full financial restitution to her victims.
June 2018: Rodman visits North Korea again
In June 2018, Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again, expressing his happiness to be part of the 2018 North Korea–United States summit.
May 2019: Accusation of Theft from Yoga Studio
In May 2019, Dennis Rodman was accused of helping steal over $3,500 worth of items from a Newport Beach yoga studio, though he disputed the account.
October 18, 2019: Charged with Misdemeanor Battery
On October 18, 2019, Dennis Rodman was charged with misdemeanor battery after slapping a man at the Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach, Florida.
July 14, 2020: Death of Father, Philander Rodman
On July 14, 2020, Dennis Rodman's father, Philander, died of prostate cancer in the Philippines at age 79.
2020: Rodman Endorses Kanye West
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.
September 3, 2023: Appearance at AEW All Out
On September 3, 2023, Dennis Rodman accompanied The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn to the ring at AEW All Out, following his appearance on AEW Collision where he aligned himself with them.
2024: Rodman endorses Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign
In 2024, Dennis Rodman endorsed Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
