Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman was in the news again today on allegations of beating a woman at a hotel Wednesday night. His manager told tmz.com he and his girlfriend had too much to drink and he grabbed the woman’s arm. His manager also claimed that this was the result of stress from a nasty divorce and that Rodman would be entering rehab.

Let us focus on Rodman in general since this story brings him to the news.  Rodman is best known as a former NBA player who was of all star caliber for his defense and extraordinary rebounding ability. (Especially since rodman is much shorter[Six feet seven inches] than most of his competition.) Rodman only briefly played basketball in high school, and quit because lack of playing time.  However, while working as a janitor, a family friend told the local community college basketball coach of Rodman’s playground basketball skills and he played for the school for a year. Rodman then went on to play for Southeastern Oklahoma State which was a NAIA school and he was a three time all american and averaged over 25 points a game over the three seasons.

Rodman then was drafted by the Detroit Pistons and his controverisal career begins. After a playoff game with the rival Boston Celtics, Rodman made headlines after claiming Larry Bird was overrated because he was white, which better known at the time Isiah Thomas agreed with. By the early 90s Rodman was awarded with defensive player of the year honors, and was averaging over 18 rebounds a game. (A very large number that is even more impressive considering his height). He had a career high 34 rebounds in March 1992.

Rodman then moved on to play with the San Antonio Spurs however, he again entered the news because of a highly publicized relationship with Madonna. He was dismissed from the team after two years and then joined the legendary Chicago Bulls of the 90s. His first year the team went 71-10 (not because of Michael Jordan or anything) and he, Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan were all named the NBA all defensive team.  However, more shocking behavior followed in Chicago, including an event where Rodman headbutted a referee. A year later he was also in a very controversial event, where after tripping over a cameraman, Rodman proceeded to kick the man in the groin. He was suspended for 11 games and settled with the cameraman for $200,000.

Outside of Basketball Rodman is much more detached from the norm. He has been involved in professional wrestling most notably in the WCW with good friend Hulk Hogan. Rodman even skipped basketball practice to wrestle which upset both fans, and coach Phil Jackson and was subsequently fined. Rodman has also been involved in acting, including an action film alongside Jean Claude Van-Damme and a comedy alongside Tom Berenger. Rodman also appeared in a episode of third rock from the sun, portraying himself, although it was noted that he was an alien like the shows main characters. He is also referenced as an alien in one of the closing scenes in Men In Black.

Rodman’s most outlandish behavior revolves around his personal life however. He has various tattoos and piercings, he is notorious for cursing on television, and often dyes his hair various colors.  He was also married to Carmen Electra and wore a wedding dress to the ceremony which also put him in the public eye.  Rodman won the Yucatan version of celebrity mole, which suprised many because he took virtually no notes. Rodman was also married to Madonna and suggested she tried to have a baby with him and also claimed he started getting tatoos and piercings to promote himself which he learned from Madonna.

Rodman has wrote two biographies, one titled Bad as I wanna be, another titled I should be dead by now. He has appeared in numerous reality shows, including the UK version of big brother and was shocked to find his friend Traci Bingham in the house as well. He frequently used the phrase “I don’t give a shit” and only in the house a pair of extra large condoms and did not wear any underwear. He became briefly involved with Faria Alam during the show and Rodman also claimed to have had sex with over 2000 women on the show.  He annoyed producers of the show and was banned from the reunion meeting between the cast.

Rodman has a variety of nicknames, Dennis the Menace, Rodzilla, D-Rod, Rod the Bod, The Red Mound of Rebound, the worm and a taunt nickname of The Real Hot Rod, (in reference to Rowdy Roddy Piper). Rodman is also a big fan of Pearl Jam, and his voice appears in the background of the song “Black, Red, Yellow”. He apparently has a broad taste in music as he has also admitted to liking the Smashing Pumpkins and country singer Randy Travis.

Rodman is quite the unusual person as you can see, which shows in his abilities on the court, as well as obviously off the court. Gimme some comments.