ORANGE, Calif. (AP) — Flamboyant former NBA star Dennis Rodman was sentenced in family court Tuesday to 104 hours of community service on four counts of contempt for failing to pay child support.
Court Commissioner Barry Michaelson also placed Rodman on three years of informal probation. The sentence includes the condition that Rodman pay current child and spousal support obligations.
“My suggestion is to use your talents as a motivator, as a fine, fine athlete and as a fine person to assist others in need,” Michaelson told the retired basketball player.
The court hearing remained under way at late morning on other issues in the case. Rodman was present.
Mary Ann Noiroux, an attorney for Rodman’s ex-wife Michelle, said in an earlier interview that Rodman could also be ordered to pay more than $800,000 in back child support.
Noiroux said Rodman also faces additional contempt charges for other missed payments, and another conviction could land him in jail.
Rodman’s attorney, Linnea Willis, did not return calls for comment prior to the hearing.
Rodman — known for his wild behavior and Technicolor hair as well as his rebounding skills — married in 2003. His wife filed for divorce a year later. Since then, the couple has been feuding over custody and support of their two children, ages 10 and 11.
Rodman was found guilty of the counts of contempt last year for child support owed in 2009 and 2010.
His attorney has claimed he owes far less money. Court documents filed earlier this year indicated that Rodman was “broke.” His tax return from 2010 shows he earned roughly $150,000, but his financial manager said he owes significant amounts in back taxes.
She also said Rodman’s alcoholism has tarnished his image and made it difficult for him to obtain corporate endorsements and other work.
Rodman currently pays about $4,500 a month in child and spousal support, said Jack Kayajanian, another attorney for Michelle Rodman who is focused on recovering the payments.
“My desire is not to put Dennis Rodman in jail. My desire is to shake the tree a little bit and get money for his children,” he said.
Rodman was a bad-boy star of the Detroit Pistons and won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, and lived in California’s affluent Orange County before moving to Florida. He was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame last year.
Rodman dated Madonna, was married briefly to Carmen Electra, and gave loud parties that led to frequent run-ins with the law when he lived in Newport Beach.
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