It’s an inside look at an episode in Dennis Rodman’s life.
Dennis Rodman, nicknamed “The Worm,” might be the best basketball rebounder ever. However, he was very set in his ways. He did what he wanted and lived on his own terms. Here’s proof.
It’s the 1998 NBA Finals—the Chicago Bulls versus the Utah Jazz. Rodman had cut practice before. He went to WCW and wrestled Hulk Hogan, who took on the persona of the time as Hollywood Hogan.
Phil Jackson got so upset with Rodman that he called Hulk Hogan and said, “Get him back to practice!” Hogan replied, “Coach, he tells me no, and he is not going back right now.” Eventually, Rodman did make it back.
At the time, Rodman was dating Carmen Electra, and before Game 6, Rodman would go up to Phil Jackson and ask for a few days off. Jackson at first was hesitant. He sought the advice of Michael Jordan. Jordan said, “If you give him a 48-hour break, we’ll never see him again.” However, Jackson caved and gave Rodman 48 hours off.
Rodman, along with Electra, traveled to Las Vegas. It was for a few nights of partying and Rodman’s wedding to Electra.
What happened next? You guessed it. The stay exceeded 48 hours, raising concerns for the team. Phil Jackson had Michael Jordan fly to Vegas to seek out Rodman. Jordan found him in his hotel passed out on his bed and the room a mess.
Jordan got him up and convinced him to return to practice. Rodman then returned and helped the Bulls win their sixth title.
The story I just told is destined for the silver screen, titled 48 Hours in Vegas, with LaKeith Stanfield as Rodman. Better yet, Dennis Rodman is an executive producer on the project.
Fiction as real life. That’s Dennis Rodman.
