Dennis Rodman is the most eccentric athlete in history. He is on par with Mike Tyson minus the aggression. The famed rebounder holds a unique spot in NBA’s colorful history. The wild star had a troubling youth. He first found a true family setting in his college days. His relationship with them possibly changed his life. However, it all ended after his surrogate mother lashed out at Rodman with a racial slur.

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Rodman grew up under difficult circumstances. His father abandoned the family when Dennis was still a child, leaving his mother all alone. Shirley Rodman struggled to raise her three kids – Kim, Debra, and Dennis.

Speaking of his upbringing, Rodman revealed he had never been hugged as a child. The first time he really found affection was when he relocated to Durant. His college career led him to a much-needed family. Though Dennis Rodman lived 3 years with the family, things finally ended on a sour note.

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Mrs. Rich called Dennis Rodman a ‘n****r’

When Dennis began playing for Southeastern Oklahoma State University, he befriended a 12-year-old Byrne Rich. Rich, who had accidentally shot his best friend during a hunting trip, was deeply disturbed. Being around The Worm helped him cope with the trauma.

The Richs realized that Dennis could be the support system their kid needed. They took the 6ft 8″ awkward man in and made him a part of their family. The bond helped Dennis Rodman stay in college and then become an NBA player.

However, years later, things turned toxic between the family and Rodman. Pat Rich, Byrne’s mother, apparently called the Bulls legend a ‘n****r’ during an argument. The relationship never improved between the Richs and Dennis after that.

The Rich family tried to reach out to The Worm in 2011

2011 was the year Dennis Rodman was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The same year, the Rich family reached out to Dennis claiming he had abandoned the family. Pat Rich revealed that Rodman had not been to their new house and had ended much of their connection.

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In an interview with Tulsa World, Pat claimed: “I would like for us to make amends, but unless we talk or communicate, we won’t, and that’s really sad.”

Rodman’s agent responded by refuting these claims. He confessed that his client had helped the Rich family whenever they needed and there was no animosity between them.

Also read: “I was the first signature athlete under the Jordan Brand,”: $160 Million Man Carmelo Anthony was Taught the Art of Scoring by His Airness

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