Dennis Rodman gets emotional in Hall of Fame speech - NBA Update
Dennis Rodman was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last night and the flamboyant former forward gave an emotional account in his acceptance speech. Rodman who was famous
both for his on court and off court individuality did not disappoint on a night that few will forget.
Rodman was an imposing figure in his playing days, but also an entertaining one. As a player he became one of the best defenders and rebounders of his era and dominated games through
sheer will and hard work.
Rodman was a fixture in the late 80s Detroit Pistons team. The “Bad Boys” Pistons side won two NBA World Championships. Later Dennis made his way into the Chicago Bulls side just
when Michael Jordan returned from his first retirement.
Rodman, Jordan and Scottie Pippen formed a famous trio at the Bulls who went on to dominate the league and won three consecutive NBA World Championships.
Rodman was always a colourful personality and his inspired many with his outrageous fashion statements. Dennis had the heart of a true artist and went into the movie business as well.
His outspoken, outlandish and liberated nature always made him standout, no matter where he was.
When his long awaited induction was announced, Rodman gave into emotion on a night he will never forget.
“I didn’t play the game for the money. I didn’t play the game to be famous. What you see here is an illusion, that I love to be an individual that is very colorful….”
Rodman, whose life is a classic rag to riches story, also spoke of how basketball helped him escape a future that looked very bleak growing up.
“I could have been anywhere in the world. I could have been dead. I could have been a drug dealer. I could have been homeless, I was homeless. A lot of you guys here, a lot of you
guys in the Hall of Fame know what I’m talking about, living in the projects. You just want to get out of the projects. And I did that, but it took a lot of hard work and a lot of bumps along the road…”
“People ask if I have any regrets as a basketball player, I have one regret: I wish I was a better father. “ Rodman said.
Rodman also thanked the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons franchises. He praised former Bulls teammates Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan. He never really had a father figure growing
up but found many in the NBA and Rodman mentioned the individuals, Phil Jackson, Jerry Buss, Chuck Daly and James Rich.
All in all Dennis Rodman was Dennis Rodman on a night his name was forever enshrined in the history of basketball.
Tags: