Dennis Rodman Delivers NBA Hall Of Fame Speech Through Tears And Emotion (VIDEO)

When NBA superstar Dennis Rodman penned an autobiography, he entitled it "Bad As I Wanna Be." And, it seemed apt. After all, Rodman was a tenacious rebounder and a vicious competitor on the court while also being an outlandish and controversial iconoclast away from it.

Those inimitable attributes, along with the five NBA championships and seven rebounding titles he won during his career, earned him a place in basketball's Hall of Fame. However, a visibly emotional Rodman, who still clearly has his flare for memorable wardrobe choices, spoke candidly during his induction speech about the toll that his public lifestyle and on-court persona took on his family and friends. It was a side of the NBA star that most had never seen before.

WATCH video above.

Comments

[Stuart Klugler]

10:00 AM on 08/16/2011

He knew his role on championship teams. I did not recognize him without his dress.

[a lo ha]

04:00 AM on 08/16/2011

I am happy for him; however, I do feel sorry for his mother. It must have been one of the most embarrassing moments, and the grand entrance is remarkable.

[IndyVoter777]

07:48 PM on 08/15/2011

Dennis is a good human being.

Much love to him

[Lloyd Harris]

06:49 PM on 08/15/2011

Always laying it all out there, no matter what...Big up to the Worm!!!

[WorldGoneWild]

05:51 PM on 08/15/2011

That has got to be one of the most bluntly honest acceptance speeches I've ever seen. The impact Dennis's father...or more like lack of impact..had on his son is still an open wound. I wish nothing but the best for the Rodman family. It goes to show you how essential fathers are to their children.

[DHWRD]

10:25 PM on 08/15/2011

I know a lot of guys who never knew their father and none of them go around dressing like a woman. It is all an act to demand attention. Dennis threw it in our face that he was a cross-dresser. He did it so much that people accepted him/ it as normal when there is nothing normal about it. Yet he blames ever single mishap in his life on his absent father. Grow up Dennis, admit you are just a homosexual and more on, stop blaming everyone for your issues.

[Dan Same]

07:24 AM on 08/17/2011

Two comments. One, not all men who cross dress are gay (most aren't), and if he was gay, why would he need to 'admit' it? Is there something wrong with being gay?

Two, what is wrong with wearing women's clothes? How on earth is that not normal? So he likes to wear dresses? Big deal. Many women like to wear tuxes. There is nothing abnormal about wearing women's clothes, nothing at all, and if you can't accept it, that's your problem, not his. I think it's wonderful that he doesn't care what others thinks and does what he feels is right for him.

[Darryl Clayton]

05:37 PM on 08/15/2011

It's funny when you look back on the life of someone and there accomplishments. In retrospect, this guy was a BEAST!!! A 6'8" power forward who could legitimately guard every position on the floor, rebound with the big boys, and affect a game without scoring? I can't say that he was the best power forward every (that argument goes to Barkey vs, Malone), but like Scottie Pippen, he's something else altogether.

This is a very well deserved honor for 'The Worm.'

[chaz]

05:34 PM on 08/15/2011

Drugs and alcohol not the way to go.

[AAHewetson]

02:39 PM on 08/15/2011

It was nice of you to visit Earth, Mr. Rodman. I hope you have a pleasant return to your home planet.

[Politidelic]

01:06 PM on 08/15/2011

One of the greatest defensive players and rebounders ever, I used to love watching him play. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and I hope he can rebuild with his family.

[Northern Observer]

12:04 PM on 08/15/2011

I remember an interview in his playing days where he broke down his process for be such a good rebounder and it was insane. He'd literally know how every player on the opposing team shot and their tendencies to be right or left of the basket, which side the majority of shots bounced to, and much more. He was a great player and his spot in the HOF is much deserved.

[Northern Observer]

01:10 PM on 08/15/2011

Wow, I really need to spot check my posts.

[StrayTalk]

10:56 AM on 08/15/2011

Okay HP, about your headline. It's the Basketball Hall of Fame (incl.college, HS, WNBA etc.) not the NBA Hall O.F. It takes 5 secs. to google check!

[Darryl Clayton]

05:33 PM on 08/15/2011

If you're gonna get HP on 'headline mistakes', you'll be here all week!

[chevyliddle]

05:37 PM on 08/15/2011

Ain't that the truth. Errors or intentionally misleading. I've clicked on too many articles that I really don't want to read.

[StrayTalk]

05:58 PM on 08/15/2011

Yeah, I know this isn't much of a sports site, but there are a lot of great players and coaches in the Hall O.F. that were never part of the NBA. Besides, misleading headlines and factual inaccuracies should be left to FOX News. They are so much better at it!

[Andy Cary]

10:21 AM on 08/15/2011

Dennis Rodman's style was and is unparalleled in the NBA.

[William Munny]

09:35 AM on 08/15/2011

That's Dennis staying true to form; my man was all heart. Congrats big man.

[Valerie Wilker]

03:32 PM on 08/15/2011

Amen, my brother. I knew "Worm" when he was a teenager and he was a kind-hearted sweetheart. Way to go, Rod-Man!

[RusStyles]

09:34 AM on 08/15/2011

It takes courage and humility to own up to your mistakes and bad decisions. Sounds like he's on the right track...He proved that you don't have to be a leaper or big to dominate..His heart and guile set him apart...I can't recall a player that exceeded their natural talent more than Rodman.

[William Munny]

09:50 AM on 08/15/2011

IMO the greatest rebounder to ever play the game.

[teddyswims]

11:38 AM on 08/15/2011

True. So true.

[DHWRD]

10:40 PM on 08/15/2011

The guy ranks #22 all time so how can that qualify him as the greatest rebounder of all time ?

[JamesBondQuixote]

08:15 AM on 08/15/2011

that was painful to watch. A superbly talented player Dennis was, but very immature as a person, and now we know more or less exactly why.