Phil Jackson, Who Worried Dennis Rodman Might Die, Begged Hulk Hogan to Retrieve ‘Eccentric’ Superstar During ‘98 NBA Finals

As a player, Dennis Rodman was rock solid. A great rebounder who hustled on defense. He was any offensive player’s nightmare in the 90s.

While he may have been solid on the court, the same cannot be said for his life off it. The Worm had quite the eccentric lifestyle, doing as he pleased more often than not.

Like, for example, when he jetted off to a WCW event during the 1998 NBA Finals. Forcing his head coach, Phil Jackson to ask Hulk Hogan to retrieve him.

Also Read: Dennis Rodman, Who Couldn’t Pay $850,000 In Child Support, Had $100,000 Worth Of Damages To His Restaurant

Phil Jackson had to request WCW star Hulk Hogan to send Dennis Rodman home

Dennis Rodman is a man who does as he pleases. Especially back in his playing days, The Worm was uncontrollable. Be it traveling to Las Vegas or causing a ruckus at a WCW event.

That’s right, back in 1998, Rodman ditched the Bulls team in the middle of the NBA Finals in order to make an appearance at a WCW show. A decision that, forced Phil Jackson to call Hulk Hogan.

The Hulkster revealed that the Zen Master had asked him to help send Dennis back home. Practically begging him to do so.

Jackson had every right to be concerned. After all, he liked Rodman and always showed concern for him.

Phil Jackson once got emotional with Rodman as he was concerned for his life

Dennis Rodman was always living life on the edge. Something that was of great concern to Phil Jackson, who once pulled The Worm aside for an emotional discussion about Rodman’s life and his concern for it.

“I like to have a good time, man. Good, clean fun, But for a while it was kind of a little sketchy. That’s when Phil Jackson took me to the side, and that’s the first time Phil Jackson ever got emotional with me. He said, ‘Dennis, I don’t want you to die’” 

They truly had a special bond. One that is still strong even to this day.

Also Read: Having Been Accused Of Owing $500,000, Dennis Rodman Was Once Arrested At His Own Restaurant