It is common knowledge that NBA legend Dennis Rodman had a difficult childhood. Rodman’s father had abandoned him and his two sisters when he was just three years old. In addition, his mother wasn’t really a constant presence in his life. He had to work several odd jobs for pocket money. He once took up a job as a janitor at the Dallas Airport due to which he had even gotten into trouble.

During the time he worked as a janitor, Rodman had stolen a total of 15 watches on a dare. Due to that Rodman was arrested and he had to spend a night in jail. The incident caused a further rift in Rodman and his mother’s already strained relationship.

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Rodman had spent most of his life without having both parents. Therefore, it is perhaps not surprising that Rodman had a hard time adjusting to the role of a responsible father himself. In an interview with ESPN, the NBA star opened up about his childhood and his relationship with his children.

Dennis Rodman revealed he wasn’t the most attentive father to his kids

During the interview, the host asked Rodman how he survived his rough childhood. The five-time NBA champion teared up while talking about his parents. In addition, he disclosed his struggles to be an attentive dad to his children.

“I lie to myself a lot about…I’m a great dad, I love my kids and then I have to go home and sit there and beat myself up because I’m just telling myself all these lies,” said Rodman.

Rodman said it was hard to break the repeating pattern and be close to the people in his life. He recounted the conversation he had with his ex-wife, who told him that their kids wanted him in their lives.

“I don’t need anything, it’s about our kids, they don’t need anything, they want you to be in their lives,” said Rodman, recalling the conversation with his ex-wife. He further told, “I said in 18-19 years, they never said that to me.” 

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Additionally, the former Chicago Bulls player told he was so used to only fulfilling his kids’ needs and demands that he didn’t really have the time to be a significant figure to them. He confessed he never had anyone important in his life, making it difficult for him to adapt to the parent-child relationship. 

What do you think about Dennis Rodman’s honest admissions about his relationship with his kids? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.