Befriending 12-Year-Old Who Slipped Into Crime, Dennis Rodman Found a “Surrogate” Family in Unexpected Manner

NBA legend Dennis Rodman had to struggle a lot to make it big in the league. He was raised in hostile surroundings in the absence of a father and he found himself in trouble more often than not.

However, he mended his ways and established himself as one of the best rebounders. When Rodman enrolled with Southern Oklahoma State University, he wasn’t aware of his new surroundings.

Moreover, he found it tough to adapt to his new life. Interestingly enough, his surrogate family in Durant helped him adapt to life in a town that ‘really wasn’t ready to accept a black.’

Rodman had befriended a 12-year-old boy who was suffering from severe depression. Bryne Rich had shot his best friend Brad over a hunting incident that affected him mentally. The Rich family served as Rodman’s surrogate family in a relatively new town.

Dennis Rodman’s biological mother was not happy with the news of her son living with another family. She said, “He doesn`t need another mother. He has one. I raised my son.”

Shirley Rodman had kicked out her 19-year-old son and he was homeless for six months. It was during this time that he hit a huge growth spurt and he developed his basketball skills. 

Dennis Rodman quit college once before joining Southern Oklahoma 

Chicago Bulls icon Dennis Rodman was once offered a scholarship from a junior college before enrolling with Southern Oklahoma State University. However, he quit after a short while.

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He then returned to the streets and undertook menial jobs. A second shot at changing his life came when a basketball scout offered him a scholarship to Southern Oklahoma. Unlike last time, Rodman was determined to make it big this time.

Dennis Rodman finished college and entered the 1986 NBA draft. The Detroit Pistons drafted him as a second-round pick and this kickstarted his NBA journey. He won two NBA titles with the Pistons before joining the San Antonio Spurs.

He then famously made the move to the Chicago Bulls where he teamed up with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen and helped them win their second three-peat.

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