Society Still Loves to See Dennis

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

February 2000

I have to admit I'm baffled and disappointed. Dennis Rodman was signed by the Dallas Mavericks and his return was a big media event. Reunion Arena was sold out because fans wanted to see Dennis in action.

Meanwhile, despite increased opportunities to appear on local radio; despite media credentials for Rockets, Cougars, and Owls' home games; as well as a website that I'm quite proud of; the Houston Roundball Review is going nowhere with a thud. Apparently, I need to dye my hair different colors; hold a wedding ceremony and marry myself; or display some other Rodmanesque behavior to achieve success.

Simply put: Dennis why do people still care what you say and do?

In June of 1997, I wrote a Basketball for Thought titled "Dennis, Why do We Care What you Say?" It was in response to Worm's comments regarding the Mormons of Utah when he said, "F*?! the Mormons!" to a group of reporters covering the NBA Finals.

The following is that an excerpt from that commentary:

What is wrong with our society when someone whose opinion or statements shouldn't matter to anyone walking cause such an uproar?

First, and foremost, let me be very clear: what Dennis said was wrong, tasteless, rude, and insensitive. However, did anyone notice on the tape of the locker room interview that at least one of the reporters is laughing very loudly at Dennis' remarks? What about him? Why hasn't he received a public flogging? Did he get fired for laughing at such a rude, insensitive remark? As of date, I don't think so.

When Dennis Rodman was a basketball player and not just the game's best rebounder (you know when he was a Detroit Piston), he hardly received any recognition whatsoever. What has caused such a dramatic turn in his popularity?

When Dennis was found asleep in his truck outside of the Palace of Auburn Hills where the Pistons play, with a shotgun in the back of the truck, the national media paid no attention to him. Now that the media has made Rodman a recognizable face and name, we are flooded with his whereabouts at all hours of the night and morning.

I don't care what Dennis does off the court. If he wants to party 'til the wee hours, then let him. If his game suffers, and as a result, his team suffers as a result, then there is a problem.

New Mavs' owner Mark Cuban signed Dennis simply to sell tickets and fill Reunion Arena. Cuban doesn't deny that fact. The Mavs were playing well and winning without Rodman over the last few weeks. However, Cuban knew people would spend their money to see the Worm in person. Local, state, and national media flooded the Mavs for credential requests to cover Rodman's "return to the NBA".

Rodman's first game back was a sellout. He didn't score; but, he did grab 13 rebounds. By the way, the Mavs lost the game just as they did game number 2 with Dennis. He got suspended for the next game for "failure to leave the court in a timely manner". Ironically, the Mavs won without him. His first game back after the suspension will probably sell out as well. Rodman and sports entertainment (pro wrestling) are booming.

I'm 28; but, I'm old school. I admit it and I'm proud to be old school. Old school is the best school. Michael Jordan was old school, too. He played great on offense; but, he also was great on defense. Plus, he was very sound on his fundamentals. Think about that.