Curtain rises again on Rodman three-ring circus

Bulls pull win out of Air in Worm's return


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Rodman says he's ready to play no matter who he's matched up against.
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The Worm says fans have a double-standard when it comes to him.
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Jordan thinks Rodman's enthusiasm was a key to victory.
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Phil Jackson analyzes Rodman's performance.
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The circus-like atmosphere Tuesday night at the United Center was only too appropriate.

Dennis Rodman has words with referee Bill Oakes.

Folks traveled from around the globe to see the return of the Chicago Bulls' cross-dressing rebounding machine, whose hair was closely cropped and dyed a sort of gold color with a smudge of brown tint.

Two young fans held up a sign at the United Center that read, "Mr. Rodman, we came from Switzerland to get your jersey ... please."

Rodman's father, Philander, who skipped out on the family early on, was flown to the game from the Philippines -- all expenses paid -- by one of those tabloid television shows, "Extra."

Rodman, who had criticized Philander in his book, "Bad As I Wanna Be," wanted no part of meeting his father and threatened to deck him if he insisted on a meeting.

His sister Debra, a fair hooper in her own right who taught Rodman everything he knows about basketball, came in from Los Angeles to serve as a buffer if father tried to confront son.

This show was better than "All My Children," "General Hospital" and "One Life to Live" all wrapped up into one.

For the game Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets, Rodman resumed his place in Chicago's starting lineup. A swift kick to the groin of Minneapolis cameraman Eugene Amos on Jan. 15 was his latest transgression and had cost him the previous 11 games.

"The kicking incident, clearly that was wrong," said Toronto executive Isiah Thomas, a former teammate of Rodman's in the Detroit Pistons' Bad Boys days. "However, in everything else he's done -- the way he dresses and everything else -- I think he's good entertainment for you guys, great entertainment for the public."

That may be true but the Bulls are getting tired of his act. Regardless how Rodman behaves from here on in, it seems unlikely that the Bulls will re-sign him after this season, especially after they managed to win nine of the 11 games he missed while under suspension.

The Bulls welcomed Rodman back with open arms, although stars Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan had a few disparaging remarks about him during All-Star weekend. After all of their tough talk in Cleveland, none of the Bulls was willing to pass along any advice to Rodman.

"Well, it's hard to give Dennis advice," Jordan said. "If I had to give him advice, I'd tell him to wear pants all the time."

Ron Harper did not expect Rodman to offer an apology to his teammates.

"All he has to do is get ready to play the last part of the season and play until June," Harper said. "That's all we can ask him to do. You know, he doesn't talk much. He is a very quiet guy."

Rodman, who was returned to the roster after the Bulls placed guard Randy Brown on the injured list with an ankle injury, was cheered wildly during pregame introductions Tuesday.

It didn't take long for him to get in trouble in the game. He was called for a foul just 1 minute 29 seconds into the game for wrestling with Anthony Mason in the post.

Soon thereafter, Rodman snared his first rebound amid more cheers from the crowd.

The Hornets entered this game having professed no plans to test Rodman's resolve.

"Maybe when he runs by, I'll smack him and see what happens," Charlotte coach Dave Cowens joked. "He won't be expecting one from the sidelines."

Turning serious, Cowens said he didn't see any value in sending reputed hack-master Matt Geiger over to rile up Rodman.

"I don't think you can do that kind of stuff," Cowens said. "I think it detracts from the game. Players don't go for it. Just let things happen."

For his part, Rodman promised to continue to give basketball fans a show.

"I'm just showing the human side of an individual," Rodman said. "(Otherwise) they won't get Dennis Rodman. I don't get paid $9 million to go there and look good.

"It is entertainment. I have got to give you the total package. If I can't give you that, I am worthless."

The show must go on, but for how long is the question.

Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service