Dennis Rodman meets father for first time in 42 years

Former National Basketball Association star Dennis Rodman reconnected with his estranged father in the Philippines on Wednesday, following an exhibition game in Manila, the Associated Press reported. The two hadn’t spoken since December 1969, when Rodman was 8 years old.

Rodman’s 71-year-old father, Philander Rodman Jr., has lived in the Philippines for nearly 50 years. A Vietnam War veteran, he runs a restaurant called the Rodman’s Rainbow Obamaburger in northern Angeles City, the Philippine Star reported. According to Philander Rodman, Dennis is one of his 29 children by 16 different women.

Rodman refused to meet with his father when he played in Manila in 2006. But this time, the former Pistons and Bulls player invited his father to watch the NBA “Alumni” team, which also included Scott Pippen, Horace Grant and Mitch Richmond, take on former professional Philippine Basketball Association players in a game Wednesday, the AP reported.

“I don’t hate the guy that brought me into this world,” Dennis Rodman told reporters, according to the AP. “The fact is, if I saw him, I’ll just tell him, ‘You know, you’re a friend of mine.’ ”

During a break in the game, Rodman announced to the crowd that his dad was in the audience, the Philippine Star reported. “I want you to know that you have my father here. I’ve never seen him in over 40 years and he’s there right there in that seat,” Rodman said, pointing to Philander. His father sat ringside, wearing a baseball cap that said, “Yes, Dennis Rodman is my son.”

The two only met for three minutes after the game, chatting while Dennis Rodman signed autographs. But Philander Rodman told the AP that he gave his phone number to Dennis, who said he’d call.

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