Dennis Rodman is one of the most enigmatic personalities to ever play in the league. ‘Dennis the Menace’ was not only popular for his unique ability to impact the game without scoring(much), but also for his antics off the court. His personality was quite eccentric for his time, leading to most of his teammates and coaches not understanding him. After the ace rebounder came to Chicago with 2 championships and a $16,100,000 contract under his belt, those unconventional traits of his grew even stronger.
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Rodman, who was always a peculiar character, did not have a proper relationship with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, or any of his Bulls teammates for that matter, in his three years with the team. However, they shared a brotherhood on the court that allowed Michael and others to joke about anything, even Rodman’s life choices.
When Michael Jordan roasted Dennis Rodman for wearing heels
In his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno back in September 1997, Michael Jordan addressed whether the Bulls would be back again for the 1997-98 season. Leno asked MJ whether Dennis Rodman would be back after he, Scottie, and Head Coach Phil Jackson had decided to return.
In response, Jordan replied with his usual humor. The 6x Finals MVP said Dennis is still figuring out his penalties and what “dress” he could wear. Jordan wouldn’t stop there.
‘His Airness’ trolled Rodman’s crossdressing habits once again, while seemingly trying to give him his props. In response to Leno’s question on whether he wants the former Pistons forward back in the team, Jordan said, “Oh yeah, I mean he’s the best rebounder in the game…Oh and at his size! I mean Dennis is only 6’6 220 lbs-that’s his size. I mean most people would think he’s about 6’9 240-245 lbs, that’s when he’s wearing heels.” This playful jibe immediately sent the crowd in a frenzy of laughter. Watch it in the following clip by the YouTube channel ‘Memories of Air‘.
The Worm often cross-dressed and experimented with his looks like no other star athlete would ever do. From several piercings to nail paint and some outlandish outfits which are now fashionable, Rodman was a trendsetter for some and an estranged individual for most.
Rodman normalized NBA players delving deep into fashion and paved the way for modern style aficionados like Russell Westbrook and Kyle Kuzma.
Rodman once said, “I’m gay” on national TV and lost the Knicks’ offer
Rodman once lost his chance to be a New York Knick for joking that he was gay on ABC’s The View.
“So I changed the subject, told them I was there to make a special announcement. ‘I’m gay,’ I said, and we all started laughing. ‘No, I’m kidding. I’m kidding.’ Big joke, y’know?” Rodman said.
That led to the New York Knicks owner, who was willing to team him up with Patrick Ewing, drop the plans to bring Dennis to NYC for good.
The Knicks might have saved themselves from the trouble of managing Rodman, but they also lost their chance to win a championship in the 90s. All the chips in the late 90s went to the Bulls after they signed Rodman in 1995.
