Why didn't Dennis Rodman attend Bulls' Ring of Honor ceremony? Former DPOY reveals reason in emotional message

Former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dennis Rodman was not able to attend the Chicago Bulls’ first-ever Ring of Honor ceremony on Friday, citing bad weather for his absence. But he did give an emotional message to explain himself while expressing gratitude for the team he helped to three league titles in the 1990s.

The ceremony took place during the game of the Bulls and the Golden State Warriors at home. There, the team honored personalities who played important roles in the franchise’s history. Some, however, were not able to make it personally for varying reasons, including Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Rodman.

‘The Worm,’ however, gave a message for the event, citing, among other things, his desire to be part of the festivities but bad weather preventing him to.

The now-62-year-old Basketball Hall-of-Famer said:

“Hey Chicago, Dennis Rodman here. This is a sad day and a good day. I tried to come in. I wanted to reall bad [to be there]. But I guess the weather has prevented me from coming to Chicago. I can’t even talk.”

“I’m getting emotional again cause you know me. You guys know me… If I was Superman I’d be there in about 10 minutes. But thank you guys for even having me on your mind …”

Dennis Rodman played for Chicago from 1995 to 1998. It was quite eventful as he helped the Bulls to three straight NBA titles, the team’s second three-peat of the decade.

During his run with the Bulls, he compiled averages of 5.2 points, 15.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shoring up the team’s attack, particularly on the defensive end. And he did with his popular, albeit controversial, flair.

All in all, Rodman finished his career with five NBA titles, including the two he won as a member of the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990.

Apart from Rodman, Jordan and Pippen, among those also honored at the Bulls’ first-ever Ring of Honor ceremony were six-time Chicago champion coach Phil Jackson, Bulls legends Artis Gilmore, Jerry Sloan, Johnny ‘Red’ Kerr, Toni Kukoc and Bob Love, and team executives Jerry Krause and Dick Klein.

Bulls fans feel Dennis Rodman wanted to attend the ceremony more than Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen

After watching Dennis Rodman give his emotional video message for the Chicago Bulls’ first-ever Ring of Honor ceremony on Friday, some of the team’s fans felt his sincerity. They claimed that ‘The Worm’ really wanted to attend more than his fellow absentees Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

The three Bulls legends were among the notable personalities who were not able to physically attend the ceremony.

Below are some of the reactions on X (formerly Twitter):

@OneLove__T wrote: This felt so much more genuine than MJ. Seriously.

@bmeredith83 wrote: This is so absolutely sweet. He wanted to be there. And that was an honest video

@ndr3wz wrote: Yep. Sucks they booed krause too. But you could definitely tell it hurt dennis...and id bet he was making last second efforts to bring it the 2 aforementioned..

@TYTarantino wrote: Dennis truly a class act. A one of one. Had a motor like no other

@_janiceclark wrote: He really wanted to be there! That I can assure you!

@SharpChedaGetta wrote: Gotta love Rodman man

@AlexandraBesso5 wrote: That was so heartfelt and sincere

@dsu129 wrote: Real Bulls fans know Worm would have walked to Chicago to be there! That’s how much the city meant to him!