Rodman to play basketball in NE Iowa

Heads22 · November 16, 2005

http://wcfcourier.com/articles/2005/11/16/...09344054700.txt

BREAKING: Rodman to play basketball in Cedar Valley, league officials say
By DOUG NEWHOFF, Sports Editor

WATERLOO - Dennis Rodman has put his ink on the dotted line.

Cedar Valley Jaguars owner Eddie Diaz said Tuesday that Rodman, one of the most flamboyant characters in the history of professional basketball, has signed a contract to play two games with the International Basketball League's Jaguars in May. All the Jaguars' home games this season are scheduled for Young Arena in Waterloo.

"He will play two games for sure, the 19th and 20th of May," said Diaz, who has revamped his former Waterloo Kings franchise for a second IBL season. "We are negotiating for him to play two more games.

"I think it will be very exciting for our community."

Rodman built a reputation as a fierce defender and rebounder during 14-year career in the National Basketball Association during which he averaged 13.1 rebounds and 7.1 points per game. He was the league's rebounding champion for seven straight seasons from 1991-92 through 1996-97 while playing for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. In 1992, he ripped down a career-best 34 boards while playing for the Pistons in a game against the Indiana Pacers.

The colorful and tattooed 44-year-old from Trenton, N.J., won five NBA championships during his career, which ended in 2000 when he was released by the Dallas Mavericks.

As big an attraction as he became on the court, Rodman has made just as much news away from basketball. He once dated Madonna, he was married for a year to Baywatch bombshell Carmen Electra, he participated in several World Championship Wrestling shows and is commissioner of the 2005 Lingerie Bowl that will take place in June.

He has also authored a pair of books -- "Bad As I Wanna Be" and a new release entitled, "I Should Be Dead By Now."

Meanwhile, Rodman has remained involved in basketball, playing several games in the American Basketball Association, in Mexico, in China and earlier this month, in Finland.

"We have an autograph session planned for the morning of the 19th with the game that night and then another game the following night," said Diaz.

"Dennis Rodman is a truly unique human being, who is not only a great athlete but also one of the best entertainers in the world.

"It's going to be fun."

Contact Doug Newhoff at (319) 291-1467 or [email protected]