Rodman to return right after All-Star break

Shaq-less Lakers still shackle Bulls

Rodman

Rodman, who met with NBA commissioner David Stern last Friday to report on his progress since the suspension, will be allowed to return to the Bulls for their home game against the Charlotte Hornets next Tuesday.

Stern qualified Rodman's reinstatement, saying another explosive episode could end his NBA career. However, he did not force Rodman to seek counseling, initially a prerequisite for Rodman's return.

NOT MISSING MUCH

A look at how the Bulls fared during the 11-game suspension of Dennis Rodman, the NBA's leading rebounder. Chicago finished 9-2, but was outrebounded in seven of the 11 games: Date Opp. Result Rebound edge Jan. 17 Bucks W, 100-73 Bulls, 38-34 Jan. 19 Rockets L, 86-102 Bulls, 50-45 Jan. 21 Knicks W, 88-87 Knicks, 44-42 Jan. 23 Cavs W, 87-71 Bulls, 49-28 Jan. 25 Raptors W, 110-98 Raptors, 47-28 Jan. 28 Grizzlies W, 111-96 Grizzlies, 43-39 Jan. 30 Kings W, 111-93 Kings, 41-39 Jan. 31 Warriors W, 115-92 Bulls, 46-40 Feb. 2 Sonics W, 91-84 Sonics, 37-34 Feb. 4 Blazers W, 88-84 Blazers, 39-33 Feb. 5 Lakers L, 90-106 Lakers, 50-33

"I think it's unfortunate for the fans and everybody else that it occurred," Rodman said Tuesday night at halftime of the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers at the Anaheim Arena. "I'm glad I can come back and play like I do again.

"I could say I'm sorry until I'm blue in the face, and it wouldn't prove anything. But I'm going to play for free. That shows that it isn't all about money."

Rodman's agent, Dwight Manley, said Rodman will donate his salary for his first 11 games back to 11 assorted charities.

Rodman was suspended for a minimum of 11 games and fined $25,000 for kicking courtside cameraman Eugene Amos during a 112-102 victory at Minnesota on Jan. 15. Rodman and Amos also agreed to a $200,000 out-of-court settlement.

"I am satisfied that Dennis recognizes that his conduct in the Minnesota game was unacceptable," Stern said. "Dennis told me that while he does not plan to change the way he plays the game, he will conform his conduct on the court to acceptable standards and he knows that any further incidents of this nature may end his career in the NBA."

The Bulls forward has lost more than $1 million in lost wages and incentives because of the suspension. Manley, speaking from his office in Newport Beach, Calif., said the charitable donation by Rodman will also total more than $1 million.

When asked why Rodman decided to make the charitable donation, Manley said: "Because he'll be the first person to say, 'I deserve more money and pay me more money.' And when he makes a mistake, he'll be the first person to say, 'I don't deserve the money,' and he wants to thank his fans for sticking with him.

"It's a first," Manley added. "Whereas sports is so wrapped up in money all the time, he wants to make a statement that Dennis Rodman plays from his heart and not from his wallet, and he's out there with one intention, and that's to win.

"The best way to show that is giving up money not by order, but by choice."

When asked if he was returning with a clean slate, Rodman said, "I just live life day-to-day. I'm not going to change the way I am. My goal is still to contribute and be on one of the greatest teams of all time."

Bulls coach Phil Jackson said Rodman will be welcomed back.

"Dennis is an important aspect of our game," Jackson said. "We miss his defense, his rebounding and we're very pleased to have him back."

Teammate Scottie Pippen said he doesn't think Rodman will change his aggressive style on the court.

"He's still going to be the same type of player that he's always been," Pippen said prior to Tuesday night's game at Portland, which the Bulls won 88-84 to raise their record to 9-1 since Rodman's latest suspension. "He's going to go after the ball and after whatever because he wants that attention."

Pippen made it clear he doesn't approve of Rodman's antics.

"I have a problem with it," Pippen said. "It's pretty stupid. ... But he's not going to change for me. He's just going to have to deal with the consequences whenever he gets caught."

"It will be great to have him back, but we've got on a roll primarily without Dennis," Michael Jordan said. "The energy level will improve when he returns, but we're very confident without him."

The length of the suspension is second only to the 26-game ban given to Kermit Washington of the Los Angeles Lakers for punching Rudy Tomjanovich of Houston in 1977.

It is the second suspension of the season for Rodman, who served a two-game, team-imposed suspension for a profanity-laced tirade that was broadcast on live television after a Dec. 8 loss at Toronto. The suspension cost him $219,512, or 2/82nd of his 1996-97 salary of $9 million.