Former NBA player Dennis Rodman can sometimes be brash, although he hardly cared about the consequences. In the 1990s, 'The Worm' was not afraid to speak out on anyone or the league and how it conducts its business. One of the controversial remarks he made was during the 1997 NBA Finals.
The Chicago Bulls were up against the Utah Jazz at the time. Rodman was struggling, and his lackluster performances were notable. One was in Game 3 of the 1997 NBA Finals, where Rodman was scoreless and managed to collar only 3 rebounds in 24 minutes of play in the Bull's Game 3 loss to the Jazz, 104-93.
Rodman's conspiracy theory
After that matchup, Rodman was ready to take the blame for his lifeless performance. However, he also pointed out other things that contributed to the loss. Rodman suggested that there was a conspiracy going on with the NBA allegedly prolonging the series due to money matters.
"I think the league is going to make sure this series goes on so they can get their $15 million to $20 million a game. … It's kind of difficult not to overlook those things when you know the game is going bad," Rodman said after that 1997 NBA Finals Game 3 loss via the New York Times .
The 6-foot-7 forward came up with that theory, noticing that game officials called dubious fouls more than they usually do. Rodman had to deal with foul trouble, one reason why he would spend more time on the bench and be helpless.
Adjust and deliver
Although Rodman's behavior was uncanny at the time, he still had the decency to realize that he needed to do something. He knew Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen needed him to do his part, especially on defense and rebounding.
"I've got to be Dennis Rodman. I've got to be wild and crazy out there and do the nutty things that got me in this position," Rodman quipped.
Although Rodman was hardly a factor for the Bulls in the 1997 NBA Finals, he did just enough to help the team win it all. He focused on playing defense and controlling the rebounds, just enough to help the Bulls win its 5th NBA crown.
Despite winning in 1997, it would not be the last of Rodman's NBA conspiracy theory. The Bulls and the Jazz would meet again in the 1998 NBA Finals, and Dennis would raise the issue anew . He believed the league wanted the Finals to reach a penultimate Game 7 to earn more revenue.
Although Rodman continued his career with much controversy, teams still held him in high regard because of his defense and rebounding skills. Unfortunately, his stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks did not pan out, and the seven-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member quietly faded from the basketball scene by 2006.
Related: "So they could get an extra $30 million" - When Dennis Rodman accused NBA of wanting a Game 7 in the 1998 Finals
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