Strange reunion for Rodmans
NBA Hall-of-Fame awardee Dennis Rodman and his father, Philander Jr., finally met face to face in the All-Star Basketball Challenge at SM Mall of Asia’s The Arena on Wednesday night. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ AUGUST DELA CRUZ
IT’S not exactly the reunion he had hoped. But the acknowledgement may be enough, for now.
Philander Rodman Jr., the estranged father of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, got a surprise shout out from his son during the All-Star Basketball Challenge featuring the NBA Legends Wednesday night.
“I haven’t seen my father in 42 years, but that’s him sitting right there,” said Dennis, pointing to his American father—who has been living in Angeles City for nearly 50 years—as he addressed the packed crowd at Mall of Asia Arena.
The 71-year-old Philander, who was wearing a red baseball cap with the words “Dennis Rodman is my Son,” stood up and waved to the crowd.
It was the first public acknowledgment for Dennis, who never hid his spite for Philander even during his Hall of Fame induction speech, where the rebounding demon said: “I never had a father.”
“I want to hug him, that’s all I hope,” said Philander, who, apparently living up to his name, has acknowledged fathering 29 children by 16 mothers.
“But I still did not expect it. It really shocked me. It’s the first time he called me as his father. That really touched me.”
Rodman saw action with Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Jason Williams and Mitch Richmond for the NBA Alumni team that drubbed the PBA Legends, 112-93, in the one-night exhibition.
After the game, Philander made his way to the dugout, where Dennis was mobbed by Filipino.
Philander managed to shake Dennis’ hand and sneak in some small talk, too. He also gave his number to his son who promised to call.
“I’ve been trying to meet Dennis, but I always go away disappointed,” said Philander. “So I’m glad we talked.”
Philander, a Vietnam War veteran, now operates the Rodman’s Rainbow Obamaburger restaurant in Angeles City. He came to the game with his partner Helen.
He said his menu includes burgers with red, yellow and green colored buns and fries, colors associated with his flamboyant son. With a report from AP
