Former Piston Dennis Rodman meets his father for the first time
I’ve written before in some of my many Dennis Rodman posts about the fact that he’d never met his dad, Philander (no joke … that’s his name) Rodman, who has allegedly fathered as many as 29 children.
Rodman finally agreed to meet his father in the Philippines (Philander Rodman lives and owns a restaurant there) while there to play an exhibition game. The Associated Press has an account the meeting:
Philander, who has been living in the Philippines for nearly 50 years, said he wanted to explain to his son that he didn’t abandon his family in the United States, but they only had time for greetings and handshakes.
He said he spent only about three minutes with his son, who was also busy signing autographs.
“I really, really felt good,” he said. “It’s the beginning of something new.”
He gave his number to his son who promised to call.
He said his son did not even want to talk about him six years ago, but he was encouraged to try again to meet him after Tuesday’s press conference where the former Pistons and Bulls star invited him to watch Wednesday’s game.
“I don’t hate the guy that brought me into this world,” Dennis Rodman told reporters. “The fact is, if I saw him, I’ll just tell him, ‘You know, you’re a friend of mine.’”
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Jul 19, 2012 • 9:42 am
by Jeremy
How is it that you didn’t abandon a family when the first time you’ve met your son is when he is pushing 50 years old?
Jul 19, 2012 • 2:39 pm
by Bryan
Reading about the whole Rodman Saga is interesting for me in-so-much as it’s depressing. To think of all the kids growing up in rough areas, or with single parent families or battling drug and alcohol abuse or clear insecurities. Rodman has all that going against him. I can’t even imagine living a life like that followed by finally meeting your father and he denies leaving you. If you’ve ever seen Celebrity Rehab, you would see all this play itself out. Terrible.
That said, who knows what his father’s story is. It’s tough to blame a guy who all I know about him is his name is Philander.
Jul 19, 2012 • 10:31 am
by labatts
“Philander (no joke … that’s his name) Rodman, who has allegedly fathered as many as 29 children.”
I wouldn’t expect it to be a joke. Philander is MY dad’s name too… where ever he is.
Jul 19, 2012 • 11:47 am
by gmehl
Classic
Jul 19, 2012 • 12:02 pm
by labatts
Mrs. labatts can hardly stand it!
Jul 19, 2012 • 3:48 pm
by JT's Hoops Blog
We used to have a house keeper who used to work for Rodman’s father as a nurse and she said he was a real jerk. It’s a good thing that Dennis had nothing to do with him.
Jul 19, 2012 • 5:19 pm
by DG
29 children and probably no child support. Makes it hard not to come off judgemental. Kudos to Dennis for rising from this background. That’s some hard work!
Jul 19, 2012 • 6:11 pm
by MNM
http://tracking.si.com/2012/07/19/detroit-pistons-ben-wallace-nba-retirement/?sct=nba_t2_a13
.. Finally..We can HOPEFULLY talk about a TRADE soon!
Jul 19, 2012 • 9:50 pm
by Patrick Hayes
Something to keep in mind though: that excerpt from Goodwill is not sourced. Not saying Goodwill may not be privy to some off the record info that he can’t quote yet, but just the other day, Wallace still said he’s only “50-50″ on coming back.
Jul 19, 2012 • 9:55 pm
by MNM
..I know.. BUT I’M DYIN’ HERE MAN!!
Jul 19, 2012 • 9:58 pm
by Patrick Hayes
Oh, I’m with you. I think we’ll see some activity pick up after summer league is over and after the Dwight Howard trade finally happens. I think there are so many teams that either think they can get Howard or think they can facilitate that that’s probably holding up other trades from happening. Maybe whoever doesn’t get Dwight will take Charlie V as a consolation prize. Anybody? Anybody?
Jul 19, 2012 • 10:36 pm
by MNM
No kidding. For me, I don’t care who they trade off of this roster at this point (although CV would be fantastic), as long as it isn’t Jonas and well..those 3 other guys who are “untouchable” and shall remain nameless..