The more things change … the more they stay the same.
Twenty years ago, Dennis Rodman was in the midst of helping the Bulls secure their 6th NBA Championship of the Michael Jordan Era.
At the time, Rodman was viewed as a rock star nationally — drawing headlines for his play on the court and his persona off it. One of the greatest rebounders in NBA history, Rodman hauled in 15 boards per game and was regarded as one of the best defenders in the league during his time in Chicago. Off the court, his antics were just as attention-grabbing. From leaving the Bulls before an NBA Finals game for a wrestling match with Hulk Hogan to wearing a wedding dress to promote his new autobiography, there was never a dull moment surrounding the Hall of Fame player.
Twenty years later, he is still anything but boring. Rodman returned to Chicago last Wednesday as Big Game Air, in conjunction with corporate partner Thuzio, hosted “An Evening with Dennis Rodman” at the Palmer House Hilton. A standing room only crowd attended the event — confirming that Rodman is just as captivating today as he was in his playing days with the Bulls.
At the event, no topic was off the table for Rodman — from fame and family to basketball and politics. He dove deeply into his former rock star lifestyle, including his relationship with Madonna. He spoke from the heart about his family and how his childhood has affected his relationship with his son. He spoke highly of his time with the Bulls – crediting Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson as role models who helped him mature after a tumultuous start to his career in Detroit and San Antonio.
And just when you thought the conversation would stay centered around basketball, Rodman threw everyone a curveball — sharing the unique story of how he befriended North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un … Yep, 20 years later and Dennis Rodman is well, still … Dennis Rodman.
