Published 15:27 IST, May 14th 2020
Dennis Rodman's infamous 1997 kick to cameraman cost him more than $1 million
NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman was widely known for his volatile nature during his playing days. The forward kicked a cameraman in the groin in 1997.
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Thanks to Michael Jordan's documentary, fans are once again discussing career of his former Bulls teammate Dennis Rodman. Widely regarded as one of best rebound players in NBA history, Dennis Rodman's career is also filled with several controversies, be it his eccentric off-court persona to his long list of celebrity girlfriends. With Rodman's NBA career firmly back in fray, here is his infamous kicking incident where Rodman kicked a cameraman near his groin. What followed was a lawsuit, on off--court settlement and series of fines by NBA.
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Dennis Rodman cameraman incident: Why did Dennis Rodman kick cameraman?
In January 1997, during a game between Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, Dennis Rodman tussled with Kevin Garnett for ball after a missed free throw attempt by Timberwolves. Rodman somehow lost his balance and fell out of bounds into media area behind hoop. While Rodman was busy recollecting himself, cameraman Eugene Amos swiftly turned his camera towards Rodman. This prompted a swift reaction from forward who kicked Amos near his groin area.
Subsequently, cameraman was seen in agony as he was stretchered off court and taken to a nearby hospital. Rodman was t assessed for a technical foul by referee but what followed surely tarnished his second NBA championship-winning season with Bulls.
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Dennis Rodman cameraman incident; watch
Dennis Rodman cameraman incident: Suspension and fines followed
aftermath of infamous 'Dennis Rodman cameraman' incident is well-documented as Eugene Amos filed a lawsuit against Rodman for intent to assault. Many experts suggested if found guilty by court of law, Rodman could be facing charges of fifth-degree assault and possible jail time. However, Rodman and his representatives agreed to an off--court settlement with Amos and attorneys. Rodman would end up paying a $200,000 settlement for cameraman to drop charges.
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While many fans assumed that would be end of infamous incident, NBA soon stepped in and anunced an 11-game suspension without pay for Dennis Rodman. Bulls star was fined $25,000 by league. Moreover, reports suggested Rodman also had to undergo a counselling session with n-NBA Commissioner David Stern in regards to his volatile outbursts.
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All in all, kicking incident cost Rodman close to $1.1 million and cemented his legacy as one of most torious NBA players in history.
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15:27 IST, May 14th 2020