Betting and Balling
Dennis Rodman
He may no longer be the kingpin of the NBA, but Dennis Rodman still has plenty of opinions about the sport that made his name. Plus, as a self-confessed ‘fanatic gambler’, he’s not shy of sharing his bizarre tips on how to win big.
There was a time, not so long ago, when Dennis Rodman was known as one of the greatest basketball players ever. But as his star has risen, thanks to reality TV and his burgeoning tie up with Golden Palace Online Casino, Rodman’s ‘ball career has been subsumed by stories of crazed antics in the press on both sides of the Atlantic and, of course, his somewhat voracious sexual appetite.
But beyond all of the hype and press attention, Rodman remains one of the NBA’s most successful ever players, winning the ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ award two years running while playing for the Detroit Pistons and then playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the three-time NBA winning Chicago Bulls team of the mid-’90s.
The fact remains though, that Rodman isn’t exactly the most regular guy in the world. From becoming a pro wrestler to starring on the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother, he’s not one to shy away from the spotlight. In fact, he’s more likely to head straight for it, bizarre comments at the ready. So, when we hooked up with him at the Palms in Las Vegas, we knew we were in for something a bit special.
Be warned, not all of his ramblings make sense.
As a former NBA ‘Defensive Player of the Year’, what do you make of the NBA at the moment?
I think the NBA sucks. I think it sucks because it’s all about politics and trying to make money from commercial indifference, stuff like that.
So do you think any team will come close to yours and Michael Jordan’s achievement with the Bulls? Will any team like that ever emerge again?
I don’t think that any team could ever compare to the 1995-1998 Chicago Bulls team. Ever.
Is that because of the players or the NBA itself?
The NBA itself.
What exactly is wrong with the NBA?
I think its money grabbing and I think David Stern (NBA Commissioner since 1984) is a f***ing. ooh hello (laughs). He is a f***ing wuss. What owner or NBA commissioner would give himself $25 million and a private plane? There’s no focus on the game anymore, it’s all about going international and making more money. And the NBA makes money anyway. The cash needs to be given back to the players.
What about your playing days? Do you ever look back and miss them?
You know what, I don’t miss those days, but I do miss the camaraderie of the players and the fans in Chicago. You know, the people in Chicago have been great to me, but right now, I don’t miss those days. I’m doing all my different things around the world with Golden Palace and at my own casino. I’m the only person in the world with his own casino [within a casino – Dennis Rodman Slots at Golden Palace], so I can put whatever I want in my slot machine, it’s all good.
What would you say your proudest moment of your career is? How do you weigh up the likes of two ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ awards and winning the NBA five times?
No, no, no. None of those. I think the proudest moment of my career isn’t any of those NBA player awards or winning the NBA championship. It’s making the NBA itself. That’s my proudest moment. F*** the money, f*** the glory, this is f***ing where it’s at. I came along and I made it. I don’t give a s**t about all that bulls**t dude. F*** all that dumb s**t. I just respect the fans and I do my job and I entertain.
So playing in the NBA and just being there was the most important thing for you?
Pretty much. Experience in life is all about making a difference in life. Golden Palace, for example, has helped me out a lot.
How did you hook up with fellow eccentrics Golden Palace?
Well David and Abi [from Golden Palace] came to me and my lawyer, and now I’m the only individual who has his own casino, his own slot machines, in the world. I work with them as a consultant, so Dennis Rodman Slots is like a George Foreman Grill, that’s me. So once we sell this, guess what, I’m going to be a rich black son of a b***h.
What’s the most bizarre thing you’ve done with them? You had some wife carrying lined up, as well as running with the bulls in Pamplona...
Well the wife carrying went to s**t, so I’d have to say running with the bulls. I loved it. If the bulls had run over me, I would have loved that. The bulls would have hit me, I would have been like ‘Yeah!’ It would have felt real good. I loved it so much I ran four times. One time, I took a small hit but I was on form so it was cool.
Has gambling always been a big part of you?
With Golden Palace, they said ‘We’ll try it with you.’ And so far, trying with me has been a great success. With a guy like me not being in the NBA, not being in the spotlight and making that kind of money, are you f***ing out of your mind? Those guys deserve all the credit in the world, not Dennis Rodman.
Do you play much poker, or do you have any other games that you prefer?
I do everything dude. You know what, I’m a fanatic gambler. Hell, I’m in Vegas right now so it’s all good. I’ve been here two days and I’m heading off tomorrow.
What’s your favourite bar in Vegas?
Strip clubs and ‘titty bars’.
Which titty bar is your favourite?
‘Scores’.
Are you playing any poker whilst you’re there?
No, I’m just playing a lot of f***ing craps (laughs). I’m playing craps and if you say “f*** f*** a Scooby Doo”, I’m winning.
Has any of your basketball experience helped at the felt or at the craps table?
No, my basketball career does not make me a good gambler. It means that I need to marry a lot of girls to be a good gambler to understand what I’m doing.
In your opinion, what are the most important gambling skills?
Skills? Keep your eyes on the cards, keep your eyes on the chips, keep your eyes on this, this, this and that. It’s all good thank you.
Dare we ask, have you played much strip poker?
I’m playing strip poker in my room right now. There’s a maitre d’ here, she’s leaving with all trays, it’s all cool.
Finally, if you were a playing card which card would you be?
Always hide behind the spade of love, because if I want to sneak up on you I will.
3 comments
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Posted by JoeCollins – 17 Sep 2007, 3:56 PM
I used to watch Rodman all the time. Glad he's coming back on tv somehow!
Posted by georgestam – 20 Oct 2007, 1:07 PM
I don't mind this guy as much as the others, it'll be good to see him play
Posted by GamingNut – 13 May 2008, 2:59 AM
Dennis Rodman yet again proves that he is one of the most unique and oddball players ever in the NBA. While I agree with what he said about the NBA losing their focus, do the players honestly need anymore money than they already get?