?Didn?t Pay Attention to That B**l S**t?: Dennis Rodman Brushed His Father Off During First Meeting Due to One Reason

Dennis Rodman is undoubtedly one of the most eccentric personalities the NBA world has ever witnessed. He served as a symbol for individuals to express themselves without fear. The Chicago Bulls legend changed his hair color more than he changed teams. Additionally, The Worm’s numerous tattoos and piercings added to his colorful character.

He was as unique on the court as he was off it, being a defensive behemoth who was all about his business. Despite not being a scorer, his ability to corral rebounds at an incredible rate made him one of the greatest rebounders of all time.

A legend of the game likely has a pleasant life, and Rodman seemingly does today. However, that is not how it started. His upbringing was far from ordinary and his childhood went beyond daily hardships, which in turn added to his success story. One of the roughest times of Rodman’s childhood was when his father, Philander Rodman, deserted him, his mother, and his two sisters when he was only three years old.

Philander is alleged to have fled to the Philippines with another lady, where he fathered over 25 more children. This was tough for Rodman initially, but he eventually lost the desire to pursue a relationship with his father.

Talking in an interview once, Dennis Rodman revealed his first meeting with his father.

Dennis Rodman reveals that his father showed up at the practice facility

During an interview, Dennis Rodman was questioned about his first encounter with his father. The NBA legend was known to have met Philander when he showed up to a game; however, Rodman clarified that he actually showed up at the practice facility first.

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“He actually showed up at the practice facility,” said the five-time NBA champion. “I was coming in… was like five minutes late for practice…was trying to get in the gate, so I can go to the gym, and this Black guy runs up to my truck and started knocking on my window. I said, ‘What do you want man?’ He said, ‘I just want to tell you something, Dennis, I’m your father,'” he added.

Rodman then went on to express how he brushed his father off and headed straight to the practice instead.

“I said, ‘Great… so you’re gonna have to wait. I’m late for practice.’ So I didn’t really pay attention to that b**l s**t.” He went on to claim that at first, he thought it was just another fan trying to be funny.

Rodman then remarked that they had a game that night. He stated that when the fourth quarter began, one of the guys informed him that a man in the stands was claiming to be his father and signing autographs and doing interviews. The Chicago Bulls legend stated that he didn’t mind what he was doing up there. He also stated that he didn’t want to meet him after the game.

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Rodman said that that was their only encounter until he met him in the Philippines. Following their meeting in the Philippines, things evolved to the point where the two reunited and accepted their relationship.

Philander Rodman died of prostate cancer on July 14, 2020, at the age of 79.