“I Wanted to Get Back at People”: When Dennis Rodman’s 12 y/o Best Friend Stopped the 6ft 8″ Bulls Legend From Beating Up Racists

In today’s world, basketball, much like all sports, is meant for everyone. It doesn’t look at how rich you are, where you come from, what is the color of your skin, nothing.

However, back in the 80s and the 90s, when racism was rampant, it wasn’t uncommon for players to receive abuse, especially if you were as vocal and as eccentric as Dennis Rodman.

Rodman himself has many a time responded to such abuse with violence. But, the one time he chose not to was thanks to a 12-year-old he had befriended at a basketball camp.

Also Read: “Why Do You Have To Be the Devil, Dennis Rodman?!”: David Robinson Once Got in Bulls Legend’s Face For Being Different

Dennis Rodman was stopped from beating up racists by his 12-year-old best friend

Back in the day, racial discrimination and abuse were a regular occurrence in the world of sports. It was obscene, and players would understandably react rashly to such situations.

Dennis Rodman, a player known for his bad temperament, was no exception. The Worm was infamous for getting into violent physical altercations. However, the one time he chose not to, was when a 12-year-old boy at his basketball camp stopped him. Rodman revealed this in his book Bad As I Wanna Be.

“There were many times when I wanted to get back at those people, when I wanted to deal with it the only way I knew how: with violence. I didn’t, though. I didn’t because there was a little kid there, telling me not to. The little kid was named Bryne Rich. I had met Bryne at the Southeastern basketball camp the summer before I started school there. He was thirteen and I was twenty-two. I can remember him looking at me funny, which wasn’t unusual; back in those days.”

A rare occasion indeed. Dennis wasn’t exactly known for his patience. But luckily for him, he had his young best friend there. Otherwise, who knows what may have happened?

Dennis Rodman once lost $1 million for violently kicking a cameraman during a game

The Worm was never one to hide his emotions. When angry, he made sure the whole world knew his feelings. Unfortunately, on one occasion, he took his anger out on a cameraman, the result of which saw him face an 11-game ban and lose close to $1 million.

Rodman would later apologize for his actions. But, this moment isn’t one that is easily forgotten.

Also Read: “This isn’t Dennis Rodman”: Having married Annie Bakes, Bulls’ ‘Playboy’ wished to be a nine-to-five guy