While Dennis Rodman may have appeared as one of the most unflappable NBA players, often undeterred by external pressures while excelling on the big stage, there was one notable instance where the pressure did get to him. During the 1997 NBA Finals, The Worm was relentlessly heckled by Utah Jazz fans, who resorted to racial slurs that deeply disturbed him. The situation escalated when the 6'7" forward made comments that insulted an entire religion, resulting in a massive controversy that only forced former NBA Commissioner David Stern to issue the heftiest fine ever levied on a player.
David Stern showed no mercy to Dennis Rodman
The '97 NBA Finals was a tense affair. While the Chicago Bulls took an initial 2-0 lead before the series moved to Utah, the Jazz fans did everything to the ultimate Sixth Man for their team. So, when their team leveled the series at 2-2, the fans got inside Rodman's head.
Frustrated by the constant harassment, Rodman made an inflammatory comment, "It's hard to get in sync because of all the fu**ing Mormons out here giving me the finger."
Rodman's comments enraged the entire Mormon community. Seeing the heat, the two-time DPOY immediately defended his comments by stating how unaware he was about Mormons representing an entire religious group. Coach Phil Jackson also stepped in to defend his star forward by claiming that Dennis used Mormons as a nickname for Jazz fans. Nonetheless, commissioner Stern did not bother one bit and felt it was necessary to set the right example at the expense of Rodman. Consequently, he penalized the five-time NBA Champ with a $50,000 fine - which was the heftiest fine an individual was ordered to pay up until that time.
"I have indicated in previous actions that insensitive or derogatory comments involving race or other classifications are unacceptable in the NBA," Stern said . " Dennis Rodman's comments were exactly the kind of offensive remarks that cannot be tolerated or excused. "
Related: "I know why Popovich did that to me" - Dennis Rodman says the Spurs traded him to ruin the Bulls
Rodman didn't appreciate the NBA penalizing him
In a later interview with Jim Gray, Rodman expressed his deep frustration with the NBA's decision to punish him financially rather than facilitate an opportunity for reconciliation with those he offended.
During the emotional interview, Rodzilla even broke down in tears , alleging that the media had played a significant role in trying to tarnish his legacy and name.
"I offended a lot of people, and I am very sorry. Instead of giving 50 thousand to the league, I should've given it to the Mormons," Rodman said. "People are making it very difficult for me to walk on a basketball floor and hold my head up high because everyone wants to downgrade Dennis Rodman and make him look like he is a fool, like he is an idiot."
Rodman wasn't an idiot; he was among the greatest defenders and rebounders in the history of the NBA. Dennis perfected rebounding by studying in detail the way the ball would bounce off the rim after a missed shot, which gave him an advantage. It was also something he had to do since he wasn't physically imposing under the rim with his 6'7" frame, but Rodman's 13.1 rebounds, a contest average in his career, speaks how good he was in that aspect of the game.
Related: "Do you want to play basketball or be a comedian?" — Rick Mahorn on how they dealt with a young Dennis Rodman
Local News
