

During his time in the NBA, there was a flamboyant side to Dennis Rodman that fans came to love. The Chicago Bulls legend wasn’t just any ordinary star. He had a unique path and made himself an all-time great by mastering the science of rebounds. In addition, he was an apologetic party animal. His uncalled expeditions often got the five-time champion in trouble. However, what many might not know is The Worm is the person he is much due to his childhood trauma and struggles. A critical part of his upbringing was the absent relationship with his father Philander Rodman.
Philander Rodman broke through the headlines from out of nowhere. Notably, nearly three decades after abandoning his son, he came out of the shadows to claim his son. He lived a complicated life. Rodman was a former officer in the Air Force. Unfortunately, he would eventually be fired for reportedly stealing military equipment. In addition, he had 29 children of his own, something he owned up to with pride.

via Imago
MIAMI BEACH, FL – JUNE 28: Dennis Rodman anttends Irie Weekend Carnivale Kick-Off Event on June 28, 2012 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/WireImage)
During an interview with The Washington Post, the former Air Force officer spoke about his life. Notably, he felt many wrongfully perceived Dennis Rodman as a bad boy because they didn’t know him. Moreover, he also spoke about the reasons he never stayed with one woman.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Father gives an absurd reason for leaving Dennis Rodman behind
When it comes to the two-time DPOY, he was a lady magnet. Notably, the 61-year-old has told some wild stories throughout the years. In an interview with Star Tribune, the NBA Hall of Famer revealed he had slept with over 2000 women. Likewise, he also had difficulties taking on the role of a father to his children in his early days. However, his father, Philander Harrison might top it off. Speaking about his pattern of changing women, he compared it to monotonous eating.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In an interview with the Washington Post, he said, “You want to change scenery every once in a while. You get tired of cake every day. You want pie!”

via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 09: Dennis Rodman Visits The FOX Business Network at FOX Studios on December 9, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images)
Dennis Rodman and his father never had much of a relationship. While speaking to Oprah Winfrey, the five-time champion even said he doesn’t consider having a father. Initially, he did not accept the advances Philander made. Notably, he only saw a father proudly coming up after his son was in the spotlight. After refusing to meet him and not answering his faxes, the Worm would finally acknowledges his father.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Arnold Schwarzenegger, LeBron James, Dennis Rodman, and David Beckham all are proud owners of this four-wheeler beast
Philander Rodman passed away in 2020. While the father-son never had the ideal close relationship, it does explain the characteristics Dennis Rodman harbored.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT