Dennis Rodman is widely regarded as one of the fiercest and most aggressive rebounders and defensive players in NBA history. He was a key member of the legendary Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls team that secured three consecutive NBA championships. Rodman’s determination played a crucial role in his success on the court and continues to fuel his efforts to overcome personal struggles since retiring.
Rodman has openly discussed his battle with alcohol abuse and has entered both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs several times in an effort to address his challenges. Although he has experienced relapses, Rodman has consistently sought treatment and worked on managing his issues. His most recent rehab stay was in 2018, and since then, there have been no reports of further relapse.
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Rodman grew up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas.
Basketball was a part of Rodman’s life from a young age, as both of his sisters played the sport and were considered more talented than he was. Rodman was not initially seen as an athletic standout; in fact, he has shared that he struggled to make layups and was often benched or cut from his high school basketball teams.
Rodman stood only 5 feet 6 inches during his freshman year of high school. After graduating, he worked as an overnight janitor at a Dallas airport. Later, a growth spurt led him to give basketball another try.
A family friend helped connect Rodman with the head coach of Cook County College, a small school in Texas. During his one semester there, Rodman averaged over 17 points and 13 rebounds per game, but poor academic performance led to him flunking out.
Undeterred, Rodman transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he became a three-time NAIA All-American and led the league in rebounding twice. Over three seasons, Rodman averaged 25.7 points and 15.7 rebounds with a .637 field goal percentage.
Rodman’s performance during a pre-draft camp for NBA prospects earned him the most valuable player award and the attention of several NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons.
In the 1986 NBA draft, Rodman was selected by the Pistons with the third pick in the second round. In his rookie season, he averaged 6.5 points and 4.7 rebounds while showing strong defensive potential, logging 15 minutes per game.
The following year, Rodman improved significantly, averaging 11.6 points and 8.7 rebounds while starting in nearly 40 percent of the games.
In the 1993-1994 season, Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, teaming up with All-Star center David Robinson. In his first season with the Spurs, he secured his third consecutive rebounding title with an average of 17.3 rebounds per game.
After two seasons with the Spurs, Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls at age 34. He quickly adjusted to his new team and role. Alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and under the leadership of coach Phil Jackson, Rodman found postseason success with the Bulls.
The revamped Bulls set an NBA record by winning 72 of 82 regular season games. In the 1996 NBA Playoffs, they claimed the championship by defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in six games.
Rodman remained with the Bulls for two more seasons, winning two additional championships. His final NBA season was in 1999-2000.
On April 4, 2011, Rodman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Rodman was celebrated for his defensive intensity and rebounding skills. He was versatile enough to defend centers, forwards, and guards with equal effectiveness, earning him two Defensive Player of the Year Awards. He won five championships during his 14-year NBA career.
Despite retiring from basketball, Rodman has remained in the spotlight, appearing on TV shows such as Celebrity Apprentice and gaining international attention due to his high-profile friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
Rodman has navigated these experiences while struggling with alcohol abuse. His first stay at an outpatient rehab facility came in 2008, after his manager confirmed that Rodman had been drinking excessively.
Despite seeking help, Rodman’s issues persisted, and he appeared on the third season of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.
Rodman’s financial adviser, Peggy Williams, openly discussed his challenges with alcohol, noting the impact on his life.
“In all honesty, Dennis, although a very sweet person, is an alcoholic. His sickness impacts his ability to get work.”
The intense media scrutiny Rodman has faced, particularly surrounding his visits to North Korea, may be a factor contributing to his alcohol use. Following one of these visits, he checked into an alcohol rehabilitation center.
In 2014, Dennis Rodman’s agent, Darren Prince, expressed concern over the escalating severity of Rodman’s drinking.
“His drinking escalated to a level that none of us had seen before,” Prince said.
Rodman’s struggles with alcohol persisted in the years that followed. In 2018, he was arrested for DUI, with a blood alcohol content of .21—more than 2.5 times the legal limit of .08.
Those familiar with addiction and recovery understand that it is a lifelong challenge, and relapses are a common part of the process. Despite these setbacks, Rodman has continued to work on maintaining his sobriety. In an article by Microsoft, he spoke candidly about his ongoing battle with alcohol.
“It’s up to me if I want to do it for the rest of my life,” he said. “It’s a long process, and it’s going to take time to get over the hump.”
Next Steps
If you are facing challenges related to alcohol or substance use, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone. Many people experience similar struggles. For those who have sought treatment but continue to face cravings or relapse, remember that this is a common part of the recovery journey. Sobriety is a lifelong process.
Sunrise Recovery is an addiction rehab center in Clarksville, Indiana that offers support on this path. Their treatment center in Indiana provides the knowledge and tools needed to address substance use issues. To learn more about personalized treatment plans and the resources available, visit their website and contact the admissions team today.
