Dennis Rodman is widely known for his eccentric and charismatic persona. However, that was only the case after his days as a Bad Boy. Notably, when ‘The Worm’ entered the NBA, he was much of a quiet star. Coming from a rough childhood, Rodman, who valued family, felt the Detroit Pistons would stay together forever. However, when father figure and head coach, Chuck Daly, stepped down, something snapped within Rodman and he went MIA.

No one knew where the defensive anchor was. During this time, Rodman came close to taking his own life. However, iconic NBA personality, Craig Sager, picked up on his intentions, tracked him down to a strip club, and talked him out of the decision.

During a 2016 interview with Sports Illustrated, the sideline reporter looked back at that incident with the two-time Defensive Player of The Year. He said: “He had the gun. He was going to do it. I told him how stupid that would be.”

Daly’s resignation had hit ‘The Worm’ deep as he considered him as one of his father figures and shared a true bond with him. The 61-year-old has been vocal about his battles with mental health in the past and this was probably rock bottom. Based on Sager’s words, the NBA world may thank their stars that he was in the right place at the right time.

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Sager, one of the most recognized interviewers in the NBA, covered the league for over 30 years. Notably, before Shaquille O’Neal, Sager was a part of Turner sports. He rapidly gained popularity for his absurd outfits and questions. The biggest of NBA stars respected and held the NBA reporter in high regard.

Craig Sager was the man who saved Dennis Rodman

Sager’s speech would save an eventual Hall of Famer. While Rodman’s personality changed and got him in trouble frequently, his story had many more chapters. His most iconic time came with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. ‘The Worm’ added three more championships to his tally and retired as arguably one of the best defensive players of all time.

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As for the legendary reporter, he continued to remain a memorable face for the NBA fanbase. Craig Sager was probably best known for his segments with Boston Celtics‘ great Kevin Garnett. The Big Ticket would constantly criticize his suits and make for giggles. Unfortunately, in 2016, Sager passed away after a battle with leukemia. The NBA world was saddened by his loss.

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Many legends spoke about their experiences with the veteran reporter. Hearing of his death, Dennis Rodman came up with a heartfelt tweet, thanking Sager for saving his life in 1993.