Having Challenged David Stern to a ‘Naked’ Boxing Bout, Dennis Rodman Blamed Lack of Michael Jordan for NBA Commissioner’s Monopoly

Dennis Rodman is by far one of the most eccentric players in NBA history. The man caused a lot of problems for the league, and despite being teammates with the revered Michael Jordan, he regularly found himself in trouble with former NBA commissioner David Stern.

Stern served as commissioner from 1984 to 2014, leading the NBA through some of its greatest eras. He had the pleasure of watching several legends in action as well as several of today’s superstars. From Magic Johnson to Stephen Curry, he was there for it all.

He is considered to be one of the best to ever hold the position. However, several people refuted his role as commissioner, like Rodman. The Worm, who once challenged Stern to a boxing match, claimed that he had too much control over the modern NBA. Suggesting, in his book I Should Be Dead By Now, that the lack of a Jordan-esque player was the reason.

Dennis Rodman claimed David Stern ran a monopoly with the NBA due to the lack of a Michael Jordan-type player

For the most part, David Stern had an amicable relationship with most NBA players. However, one player he butted heads with regularly was Dennis Rodman. The Worm was never Stern’s biggest fan.

He once challenged the late commissioner to a naked boxing match of all things following a $ 10,000 fine and a suspension. Demanding he “get some damn gloves on”. However, not all of Rodman’s confrontations with the commissioner were violently charged.

He could also be quite verbose and delivered a scathing review of Stern’s commissionership in his book. The Worm claimed that Stern ran a monopoly with the NBA thanks to the lack of a true superstar. Further adding that he is able to do things now that he would have never been able to do with players like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and his former teammate Michael Jordan.

“Stern couldn’t get away with the crap he gets away with now back when Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ruled the league. All those guys were way bigger than David Stern, and he didn’t dare cross their asses. But he’s in control now, because nobody has the star power of a Jordan.”

An interesting point from Dennis, albeit a bit farfetched. But, he does have one thing right, the modern star does not have nearly the same amount of control a player like Michael Jordan did over the NBA.

David Stern retired in 2014 leading to the start of the Adam Silver era

On February 1st, 2014 David Stern stepped down from his role as commissioner. Having served 30 years, the longest reign so far, he was succeeded by Adam Silver, who inherited a tightly run ship.

Rodman had it right, Stern’s control of the NBA was far more as compared to the days when Michael Jordan was in the league. Whether it was his role in the Seattle Supersonics’ relocation to Oklahoma or his decision to veto Chris Paul’s proposed trade to LA. Stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry had a fraction of the power MJ had in his era.

Nevertheless, he did a fine job during his time in the role. On January 1st, 2020, Stern, unfortunately, passed away. But, he left behind a legacy as one of the greatest commissioners in sports history.