?Thought I Was Going to Prison?: Having Spent 3 Years Without a Home, Dennis Rodman Opens Up About a ?Breakthrough? Moment

Dennis Rodman arguably has had one of the most enthralling careers in NBA history. Rodman’s life outside the hardwood is as eventful and dramatic as his NBA stint. Interestingly, the Worm‘s life did not turn all eventful when he shot to fame. Rather, life has been a surreal tale for him ever since his childhood. Recently, the 5x NBA champion spoke at length about his tumultuous childhood. Having excelled the hard way, Rodman recalled how he finally broke through after spending three years without a home.

Going to battle for the ‘Bad Boy Pistons’ in the late 80s and 90s, Rodman gave Michael Jordan and the Bulls their biggest heartbreaks. Later on, the Pistons ace joined the Chicago Bulls?and won three championships with them.

Dennis Rodman recalls his homeless days and a breakthrough moment

In his recent appearance on VladTV, Dennis Rodman spoke his heart out while recalling his childhood memories. The Hall of Famer’s father Philander Rodman Jr. had left him and his family when he was three years old. Growing up in a household without a male companion?was not a walk in the park for The Worm. Things would eventually become harsher for a young Rodman.

When Rodman started to hoop, he was far from being a promising prospect. He was too short to aspire for a basketball career. It was later, at the age of 20, that a growth spurt occurred and he grew taller. Though he overcame physical challenges, his circumstances posed a larger obstacle. Rodman had spent 3 years without a home by that point. However, those struggles too would be a story of the past for him as an assistant coach at Southeastern Oklahoma State University noticed him.

“I think that was like one of the breakthrough moments you have in your life right? Uh and this will happen, these two guys came and knocked on the door,” Dennis Rodman said.?“They knocked again. I see yeah that’s who I am and stuff like that. I thought I was going to prison…But that was two coaches from Southeastern Oklahoma when they came and wanted me to try out and put a team.”?Rodman had faced a lot of trouble prior to this moment at home as well.

Dennis Rodman’s plight when he had a home

Prior to becoming homeless, Dennis Rodman had to take arms against a sea of troubles that taunted him at home. With no male member in the household, Rodman’s sisters, Debra and Kim, treated him like their sister. They even used to dress him up like a girl. Anyhow, things changed for Rodman when he found solace in basketball and he might have discovered who he really was when he picked up the ball. Even then, as a short and sleek youngster, he was ruled out as a promising prospect.

READ MORE: ?This Woman Was Overweight? My Dad Did That??: Dennis Rodman, Reluctant To Help 16 Step-Mothers, Hangs His Head in the Air Remembering 1 Step-Brother?s Demand

Later on, his mother Shirley would kick an 18-year-old Rodman out of the house. She even changed the locks to ensure he would never return. Rodman learned life the hard way in the streets until the Southeastern Oklahoma ‘breakthrough’ happened. There has been no looking back for The Worm ever since. From homeless to a Hall of Famer, what a journey he has had!

WATCH THIS STORY: Dwight Howard joins Scottie Pippen, Allen Iverson, Dennis Rodman, and other stars who have played outside the NBA