What Life Was Like for Dennis Rodman After Leaving Chicago Bulls

Dennis Rodman is among the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) most memorable players for many reasons. Although known for his praise-worthy rebounding and defensive abilities until he played for Chicago Bulls, he is relatively more recognized by his life after the NBA.

Nicknamed “The Worm,” the star left his team during the season of 1998-1999, which incidentally saw some big names such as Michael Jordan, head coach Phil Jackson, and Scottie Pippen making their exit, ending the championship train for the Bulls.

Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls

Almost immediately picked up by the Los Angeles Lakers, the athlete made $1 million by playing for the rest of the shortened season. For the next round in 1999-2000, Dennis moved on to play for Dallas Mavericks, but it was again cut short by clashes between him, the team, and the NBA officials.

On the court, things were beginning to turn ugly with recurring fouls, accusing NBA of bias, the continuous argument with referees, publicly issuing negative statements about his colleagues, and making ill-found remarks about himself.

The now-retired player once remarked about his team’s disappointing performance: ‘It felt like they were lost and had no sense of direction.’

Life After NBA

s_bukley/shutterstock: Rodman’s life changed after his retirement

By March, Dennis was dropped from Mavericks, essentially ending his basketball career. He continued to play the ball by performing in a few minor American leagues between 2003 and 2006. Around the same time, the sportsman attempted an ill-starred acting career and playing in exhibition games for international associations.

During his brief sports career, Dennis quickly became known as an eccentric being, for his physical style of playing, and distasteful remarks. Unfortunately, retiring from the NBA only worsened his situation and behavior.

The former football player continued to pursue his acting stints with appearances in reality TV shows such as Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Apprentice, and Love Island. He was also condemned for his association with some political figures.

Ulora/shutterstock: Rodman’s life was a mess after NBA

All of this undoubtedly led to troubles with the law, resulting in the mounting legal fees and increasing Dennis’s financial problems.

In 2019, the unsettled athlete gave ESPN an interview, where he talked about his past career and life. He was particularly anxious about being a good father to his children. Dennis told the network that his children had been making attempts to reconnect with him, but the ghosts of his past keep deterring him.

We hope that the former star figures a way out to be there for his two kids and go on to lead a peaceful life.