Dennis Rodman, nicknamed “The Worm,” is a retired American basketball player who is known for being the best rebounding forward in NBA history. He was born on May 13, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey, to a hardworking single mother and absentee father. Growing up, Rodman wasn’t considered athletic and often didn’t make the cut at his high school’s basketball and football teams. Fortunately, he was accepted to Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he trained and became eligible for the 1986 NBA draft.
Rodman is undoubtedly one of the most memorable basketball players to ever grace the court. Throughout his career, he has played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Rodman also topped the NBA’s record of rebounds per game for seven years while also winning the NBA championships at least five times. The NBA superstar’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed and he was awarded the “NBA All-Defensive First Team” honors and “NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award” multiple times.
Fans will agree that Rodman definitely has a larger-than-life personality and has proven himself in his other areas of interest. During his active years, he also had a brief career as a professional wrestler under the stage name “Impostor Sting.” Rodman also appeared in countless reality shows and even had his own movies. In 1996, he published his first autobiography, “Bad as I Wanna Be.”
In 1993, Rodman found himself in one of the lowest points in his life, so in order to cope, he created a “bad boy” persona. The tabloids would then follow the basketball player over the next decade, documenting his scandalous relationships, discussing his controversial lifestyle, and questioning his true sexuality. For those curious, let’s answer the question once and for all: is Dennis Rodman gay? Find out the truth below!
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Dennis Rodman’s High-Profile Relationships
When it comes to being one of the most famous basketball players in history, Rodman is no stranger to controversy. In fact, the NBA legend is a notorious player on and off the court. Throughout his life, Rodman was married three times and had plenty of high-profile relationships. Here’s a quick summary of how the woman he’s been linked with through the years.
Dennis Rodman and Annie Bakes (1987-1992)
Right after he was drafted into the NBA, Rodman started dating Annie Bakes. The couple had an on-and-off relationship but managed to produce one daughter, Alexis Rodman, in 1988. Although the pair got married in 1992, the marriage only lasted for 82 days before Rodman and Bakes decided to divorce. The reason for the split was unclear but many fans suspected that it may be due to a series of infidelities.
Dennis Rodman and Madonna (1994)
In 1994, Rodman had a short affair with pop star Madonna. Even though they only lasted a few months, it was the athlete’s most highly publicized relationship. In his 1996 memoir, Rodman referred to his time with Madonna as the “easiest relationship he’s ever been in.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be and the duo parted ways because Rodman didn’t want to be known for being the singer’s “boy toy.”
Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra (1998-1999)
A few years later in November 1998, Rodman met model and actress, Carmen Electra. The duo had a whirlwind romance and was wedded at a Las Vegas chapel before the month was over. According to the model herself, they had an active sex life and once had sex all over the Chicago Bulls’ practice facility. Due to the athlete’s non-stop partying, she also added that being Rodman’s girlfriend was an “occupational hazard.”
One of the most infamous highlights of their relationship involved Rodman’s 48-hour escape to Vegas. Apparently, he left his team during the 1998 NBA Finals to spend time with Electra. Rodman wasn’t responding to any of his team’s calls, so it took Michael Jordan flying to Vegas and knocking on his hotel room door to remind him that they needed to practice. The marriage didn’t last long and Rodman and Electra eventually divorced in 1999.
Dennis Rodman and Michelle Moyer (1999-2012)
In 1999, fresh off from his second divorce, Rodman met his third wife, Michelle Moyer. The couple went on to have two children, Dennis Rodman Jr. and Trinity Rodman, in 2001 and 2002 respectively. They got married the following year but soon filed for divorce in 2004. However, the marriage wasn’t officially dissolved until 2012.
Dennis Rodman and Yella Yella (2022-Present)
Rodman is currently in a public relationship with singer Yella Yella. It’s unclear when the pair started dating, but the athlete first appeared on Yella’s Instagram in July 2022. Almost a year after their unofficial debut, Rodman got a portrait tattoo of his girlfriend on his face. While the new couple seems happy, many fans question their relationship due to the almost 30-year age gap.
Dennis Rodman’s Views On Homosexuality
Followers of the NBA legend’s career know that Rodman is famously known for his unconventional views and controversial lifestyle. At the height of his career, the athlete was known for sporting multi-colored hairstyles and flamboyant clothing. He has numerous piercings and tattoos and isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd. Plus, Rodman has expressed his vocal support for the LGBTQ community multiple times.
During the 1990s, Rodman posed in drag for the cover of Sports Illustrated. The photo created an uproar but garnered him the respect of his gay fans. While promoting his first memoir, the athlete also shocked fans by dressing up in a wedding gown for a book signing. In the 2023 Pride Parade, Rodman participated by parading his toned legs in a short skirt and proclaiming, “Love will always win.”
I can’t go in details (sic), but it’s more like I’m just this open-minded individual that loves people…I don’t have to be gay to love my gay community. My gay community loves me because I respect it.”
Dennis Rodman to Vlad TV, 2023
Is Dennis Rodman Gay?
No, Dennis Rodman is not gay. He has been married three times to three different women and has three children. While the athlete remains ambiguous on his sexuality, he has openly expressed his support for the LGBTQ community. According to the NBA legend, he “doesn’t have to be gay to love the gay community.”
Featured Image: “Dennis Rodman”, by Walter Huang, licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED