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Bad as I Wanna Be
A wild ride inside the glowing head of Dennis Rodman--the NBA's greatest rebounder and America's most outspoken and outrageous athlete.
When Sports Illustrated put the man they call "America's most provocative athlete" on their cover, they sold more copies than any other issue they had sold in a decade (except the swimsuit issue). Why? Because Dennis Rodman, superstar basketball player who joined the Chicago Bulls for the 1996 season, has more in common with Mick Jagger than with his new teammate Michael Jordan. With his body-covering tattoos and ever-changing fluorescent hair, Rodman's sideline antics and celebrated benchings have captivated sports fans as much as his record-breaking on-court performances and earned him a reputation as a rebel with the same penchant for shocking behavior as his on-again off-again squeeze, Madonna. In Bad As I Wanna Be he'll share his surprising and candid opinions on everything from fame, money, and race relations, to sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll--and he'll talk about his life, from going to prison for stealing watches to his daughter, the light of his life.
At a time when most celebrities and professional athletes try to control their public personas like politicians and refrain from expressing their true beliefs, Dennis Rodman is a refreshingly unique, uncompromising individual who both transcends his world and refuses to conform to it. Bad As I Wanna Be is as candid, intriguing, and unforgettable as he is.
When Sports Illustrated put the man they call "America's most provocative athlete" on their cover, they sold more copies than any other issue they had sold in a decade (except the swimsuit issue). Why? Because Dennis Rodman, superstar basketball player who joined the Chicago Bulls for the 1996 season, has more in common with Mick Jagger than with his new teammate Michael Jordan. With his body-covering tattoos and ever-changing fluorescent hair, Rodman's sideline antics and celebrated benchings have captivated sports fans as much as his record-breaking on-court performances and earned him a reputation as a rebel with the same penchant for shocking behavior as his on-again off-again squeeze, Madonna. In Bad As I Wanna Be he'll share his surprising and candid opinions on everything from fame, money, and race relations, to sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll--and he'll talk about his life, from going to prison for stealing watches to his daughter, the light of his life.
At a time when most celebrities and professional athletes try to control their public personas like politicians and refrain from expressing their true beliefs, Dennis Rodman is a refreshingly unique, uncompromising individual who both transcends his world and refuses to conform to it. Bad As I Wanna Be is as candid, intriguing, and unforgettable as he is.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
March 7, 2014
Typically with biographies, I'll have two on my bookshelf for each individual; the autobiography, and whichever is considered the definitive, best one as determined by aggregate Goodreads and Amazon ratings. It's always interesting to see how people view themselves, their accomplishments, trials and tribulations as compared with reality. With Dennis Rodman though, I figured this would be unnecessary simply because of his legendary candor and willingness to speak his mind. And I was right.
It's evident very early in the book that these are Dennis Rodman's words, Dennis Rodman's thoughts; on every other page he contradicts something he'd previously said, actually doing it multiple times even within the same paragraph! Even still, I was surprised at the amount of coherent thoughts and opinions in the book. Much like Mike Tyson's autobiography, I understood "The Worm" much better after zipping through these 245 pages.
We get Dennis' version of all of his on and off the court exploits. Early life, baby-mama drama, a briefly contemplated suicide, Madonna and what he thinks of everyone who's been involved in his basketball life all get ample coverage.
In addition to using a constantly changing font (both font type and size), Rodman beats you over the head with some of his views. I said the same thing about the last book I reviewed, but that author elevated the english language with his pen. Rodman does not, making both the fonts and his rambling less bearable.
Growing up in Chicago, I LOVED Dennis Rodman, and really wanted to love this book. Turns out, I only liked it; while Dennis Rodman the basketball player gets 6 stars, the book gets 2 1/2.
It's evident very early in the book that these are Dennis Rodman's words, Dennis Rodman's thoughts; on every other page he contradicts something he'd previously said, actually doing it multiple times even within the same paragraph! Even still, I was surprised at the amount of coherent thoughts and opinions in the book. Much like Mike Tyson's autobiography, I understood "The Worm" much better after zipping through these 245 pages.
We get Dennis' version of all of his on and off the court exploits. Early life, baby-mama drama, a briefly contemplated suicide, Madonna and what he thinks of everyone who's been involved in his basketball life all get ample coverage.
In addition to using a constantly changing font (both font type and size), Rodman beats you over the head with some of his views. I said the same thing about the last book I reviewed, but that author elevated the english language with his pen. Rodman does not, making both the fonts and his rambling less bearable.
Growing up in Chicago, I LOVED Dennis Rodman, and really wanted to love this book. Turns out, I only liked it; while Dennis Rodman the basketball player gets 6 stars, the book gets 2 1/2.
May 2, 2023
2 Stars for Bad as I Wanna be (audiobook) by Dennis Rodman and Tim Keown read by Tim Keown.
This was really disappointing. There must be a better biography of Dennis Rodman. When I started this audiobook I didn’t realize just how short it was. It’s abridged. What is the point of publishing a book about one of the most interesting NBA players and making it an hour long? There is no ending to the story, it just abruptly stops. And Dennis doesn’t narrate it, the ghostwriter reads it.
This was really disappointing. There must be a better biography of Dennis Rodman. When I started this audiobook I didn’t realize just how short it was. It’s abridged. What is the point of publishing a book about one of the most interesting NBA players and making it an hour long? There is no ending to the story, it just abruptly stops. And Dennis doesn’t narrate it, the ghostwriter reads it.
January 4, 2012
This book didn't come CLOSE to my expectations, and I found it quite disappointing to be honest. Some random thoughts around it:
1. Dennis Rodman says "Bro" like 5000 times in this book. That was kind of surprising, as was his intense love for Pearl Jam, which is mentioned around 7-10 times.
2. The chapter on Madonna might have been the most interesting one.
A lot of this book focuses on a few different things:
- That Dennis Rodman is "misunderstood" - Yeah, we get that.
- That Dennis Rodman has to prove to you over and over how good he actually is, and how that makes him deserving of much, much more money than he is paid. - Yeah, we get that.
Those are pretty much the two main themes of the book.
The most interesting parts to me were of his childhood, and teenage years in which he was actually homeless and then made it to the NBA. Those parts were awesome. The rest sounded like a disgruntled, underpaid man. The good news is that everyone can identify with that.
www.themixtapemonster.com
1. Dennis Rodman says "Bro" like 5000 times in this book. That was kind of surprising, as was his intense love for Pearl Jam, which is mentioned around 7-10 times.
2. The chapter on Madonna might have been the most interesting one.
A lot of this book focuses on a few different things:
- That Dennis Rodman is "misunderstood" - Yeah, we get that.
- That Dennis Rodman has to prove to you over and over how good he actually is, and how that makes him deserving of much, much more money than he is paid. - Yeah, we get that.
Those are pretty much the two main themes of the book.
The most interesting parts to me were of his childhood, and teenage years in which he was actually homeless and then made it to the NBA. Those parts were awesome. The rest sounded like a disgruntled, underpaid man. The good news is that everyone can identify with that.
www.themixtapemonster.com
May 16, 2011
Dennis Rodman's biography is honest, raw and some self-mockery.
This is one of the most honest biographies I read.
Of course, Rodman is a cult-hero, the best guard of the successfull Chicago Bulls in the 90's and the American Dream Team. But outside the NBA-court, controversial.
Rodman describes how he worked himself up in the hard NBA-world by working his guts out. From a lousy job at the airport in his tough childhood to one of the most successfull guards in the NBA-history.
Rodman is indignant, and nobody gets spared. The NBA-management, Madonna's appeals for Rodman to be with her, some NBA-players, the world around the NBA, racism, sexuality and his self.
Rodman does exactly what he wants. F*ck the world, I do my thing is the message.
This is one of the most honest biographies I read.
Of course, Rodman is a cult-hero, the best guard of the successfull Chicago Bulls in the 90's and the American Dream Team. But outside the NBA-court, controversial.
Rodman describes how he worked himself up in the hard NBA-world by working his guts out. From a lousy job at the airport in his tough childhood to one of the most successfull guards in the NBA-history.
Rodman is indignant, and nobody gets spared. The NBA-management, Madonna's appeals for Rodman to be with her, some NBA-players, the world around the NBA, racism, sexuality and his self.
Rodman does exactly what he wants. F*ck the world, I do my thing is the message.
May 30, 2009
Recently I read that "proud non-reader" Kanye West is publishing a book of his thoughts and philosophy. Learning this reminded me of the Dennis Rodman autobiography I read long ago. I have never had any interest in sports, and I think the main reason I asked for it was to see whether my parents would balk. (As you can see, I was a very rebellious teen.)
The most notable, hilarious feature of the book is that the font and size of the typeface changed multiple times per paragraph, for emphasis, emotion, or maybe just to take up more room on the page.
The most notable, hilarious feature of the book is that the font and size of the typeface changed multiple times per paragraph, for emphasis, emotion, or maybe just to take up more room on the page.
June 24, 2025
Überraschend cool und nen geiles cover fürs Regal (hinten drauf ist sein blanker arsch -> ab da wusste ich, dass ich es mindestens anfangen musste)
November 21, 2024
think i’m gonna try getting into basketball! does anyone know if u have to start at season 1? or am i able to just jump into the newer stuff & still get to know the characters enough to make sense of it
lmk!
lmk!
December 1, 2024
I really relate to his passion for taking off his shoes
November 14, 2024
Never did I ever think I would know this much ab Dennis Rodman
February 18, 2014
Flamboyant. This is the word I think better define Dennis Rodman. I have wanted to read this book for years; I always thought he was a pretty interesting character for both his behavior on and off court.
The book begins with a chapter in which Rodman evaluates to commit suicide. He is seated in his pick up handling a rifle and he has these thoughts. Finally he makes a decision: to be himself, let emerge his true personality, just how he is. It was 1992 (the book was published in 1997) and later he was transferred from Detroit Pistons to San Antonio Spurs.
This incident occurred in a parking is alluded several times throughout the boom, it is the born of the true Rodman. The flamboyant one.
I think this is a great autobiography in the sense that it really seems you are “listening” to Rodman. These could be perfectly his words, his thinkings, his opinions. It's all a biography has to be, to know how he sees himself.
Rodman talks about all issues surrounding him: teammates, rivals, coaches, the management, the public, the NBA establishment. About Madonna (they went out six months). About drugs, sex, money. As he said, NBA is fifty percent sex and fifty percent money.
One of the reasons why I think this is a real autobiography (not a fake one entirely written by a journalist) is the fact Rodman contradict himself often. He is capable of making an statement and the opposite in scarcely two or three paragraphs. And this occurs several times with several topics. And it results a clear sign of his mind, of his way of being.
At the same time he has very interesting ideas, his thoughts about all kind of topics are natural, free and quite different from what we usually find in the NBA. However, Rodman continually justifies himself, he feels he is misunderstood (he is different from everybody) and he always thinks he deserves a better economic deal. He comes about these two subjects every bit.
Finally, I would comment the changes of the type and size of the font this edition brings to us. Every page. Every eight or ten sentences. I finished weary, tired of this, I found it disgusting and it made harder reading. It could be once or twice in a chapter, and it would be OK. But this often... no!
The book begins with a chapter in which Rodman evaluates to commit suicide. He is seated in his pick up handling a rifle and he has these thoughts. Finally he makes a decision: to be himself, let emerge his true personality, just how he is. It was 1992 (the book was published in 1997) and later he was transferred from Detroit Pistons to San Antonio Spurs.
This incident occurred in a parking is alluded several times throughout the boom, it is the born of the true Rodman. The flamboyant one.
I think this is a great autobiography in the sense that it really seems you are “listening” to Rodman. These could be perfectly his words, his thinkings, his opinions. It's all a biography has to be, to know how he sees himself.
Rodman talks about all issues surrounding him: teammates, rivals, coaches, the management, the public, the NBA establishment. About Madonna (they went out six months). About drugs, sex, money. As he said, NBA is fifty percent sex and fifty percent money.
One of the reasons why I think this is a real autobiography (not a fake one entirely written by a journalist) is the fact Rodman contradict himself often. He is capable of making an statement and the opposite in scarcely two or three paragraphs. And this occurs several times with several topics. And it results a clear sign of his mind, of his way of being.
At the same time he has very interesting ideas, his thoughts about all kind of topics are natural, free and quite different from what we usually find in the NBA. However, Rodman continually justifies himself, he feels he is misunderstood (he is different from everybody) and he always thinks he deserves a better economic deal. He comes about these two subjects every bit.
Finally, I would comment the changes of the type and size of the font this edition brings to us. Every page. Every eight or ten sentences. I finished weary, tired of this, I found it disgusting and it made harder reading. It could be once or twice in a chapter, and it would be OK. But this often... no!
September 9, 2014
17 years after it's publication, i decided to read the biography of one of the most eccentric but also interesting players ever appeared in NBA. That period i was too young to understand it's worth since like most of the teenagers back then, i loved and admired players that knew how to score, and who used to play a role of a model for the young NBA fans.
Exactly one of the things that Dennis Rodman reproaches in his book. Now, i am in an age that i can appreciate much more things and i can read the biography of such a strange person and judge it through a different perspective, able to ''see'' that behind the ''crazy'' Dennis lied a quite interesting person, whose ideas may not find me accordant all the time, but at least i can understand them.
Throughout this book we are presented a variety of issues that have to do with the running of the NBA industry. I cannot disagree with Dennis when he accuses tha league of the way it treats the young players, who gain millions before they even prove their worth, something that still exists today, in an even bigger scale. Also issues like drugs, racism, sexual orientation are presented through Rodman's eyes along with more spicy issues like his relationship with Madonna, and his quite harsh criticism against players that Dennis did not sympathize at all. Furthermore, i really enjoyed the part where he explains his magnificent trait, his rebounding skills.
A very interesting book, reminded me a lot of things, i went back to an NBA era that i loved, a book who i guess leaves you with the teaching that no matter what, just try to be yourself.
Exactly one of the things that Dennis Rodman reproaches in his book. Now, i am in an age that i can appreciate much more things and i can read the biography of such a strange person and judge it through a different perspective, able to ''see'' that behind the ''crazy'' Dennis lied a quite interesting person, whose ideas may not find me accordant all the time, but at least i can understand them.
Throughout this book we are presented a variety of issues that have to do with the running of the NBA industry. I cannot disagree with Dennis when he accuses tha league of the way it treats the young players, who gain millions before they even prove their worth, something that still exists today, in an even bigger scale. Also issues like drugs, racism, sexual orientation are presented through Rodman's eyes along with more spicy issues like his relationship with Madonna, and his quite harsh criticism against players that Dennis did not sympathize at all. Furthermore, i really enjoyed the part where he explains his magnificent trait, his rebounding skills.
A very interesting book, reminded me a lot of things, i went back to an NBA era that i loved, a book who i guess leaves you with the teaching that no matter what, just try to be yourself.
November 7, 2013
I enjoyed this book far more than I ever could have imagined. One of the better, if not the best, sports autobiographies I've read. This book is really about the battles of being a strong individual or conforming to the crowd, it drove Rodman almost to the point of taking his own life. Rodman strikes me as more intelligent and sensitive than I suspected, he actually has principles and integrity and backbone, certainly not a cookie cutter on or off the court. Really came away having a lot of respect for this guy.
October 17, 2016
Ένας πραγματικός θρύλος της χρυσής δεκαετίας των Chicago Bulls με τα δικά του λόγια.
Ο, κατά πολλούς, κορυφαίος ριμπάουντερ και αμυντικός της δεκαετίας του '90 με τα περίεργα μαλλιά μας διηγείται πως έφτασε με πολλή δουλειά να γίνει βασικό μέλος της ομάδας-φόβητρο που σάρωσε τα πρωταθλήματα στο NBA.
Πέραν της τρέλας και της αθυροστομίας του, έχει πολλά να παει ο αγαπητός Dennis.
Ο, κατά πολλούς, κορυφαίος ριμπάουντερ και αμυντικός της δεκαετίας του '90 με τα περίεργα μαλλιά μας διηγείται πως έφτασε με πολλή δουλειά να γίνει βασικό μέλος της ομάδας-φόβητρο που σάρωσε τα πρωταθλήματα στο NBA.
Πέραν της τρέλας και της αθυροστομίας του, έχει πολλά να παει ο αγαπητός Dennis.
October 1, 2007
I read this book in high school. I actually found it really interesting. It covers everything from how he got into basketball to his relationship with Madonna.
September 18, 2022
Dennis Rodman. A great player, who couldn't care less about scoring but was interested in defence and rebounds, of which he has a record average (he was elected best rebounder 7 times over 7 consecutive seasons -1992-98...). An eccentric who dyed his hair, wore nail varnish, dressed up like a woman when he felt like it, and drove a pink Harley Davidson. A man who was 5 times NBA champion, twice with Detroit and three times with Chicago, a team he contributed to build the legend of alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. A glitz and glam celebrity too, he who dated Madonna and married Carmen Electra. Dennis Rodman is all of that wrapped into one: used to cause a stir, a character, who tells about himself here in an autobiography that spares no punches.
One could be forgiven to expect a deliberately shocking read just to sell (and the cover as much as the title don't help preventing against such bias...). Well, nope! Here is, in fact, a very sensible and smart book indeed.
Starting when, in 1993, the police found him in a pick-up truck, parked in a Detroit stadium and with a gun on his laps (his wife just divorced him, he barely saw his daughter, and his teammates had all been traded elsewhere) he retells his story. He talks about his childhood, in the poor Black ghettos of Dallas. He retells how, because he was good playing basketball, he was sent to a College
just to join their team. He talks about his friendship with another kid, White, who will have him to live with his family (farmers with whom he will stay for more than 4 years, an experience that will stay with him for the rest of his life). He talks about his divorce, his relationship with his daughter, his 'saga' with Madonna. He talks about his career as a player -Detroit and the powerful, aggressive play of the 'Bad Boys' (him, Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer), San Antonio, where neither the coach nor the other players could accept him for who he was, and, of course, Chicago, where, under the leadership of Phil Jackson his talent will fully blossom.
The style is crude, he has a big mouth, and he can be annoyingly wimpy at times (when he complains about his salary...). But he also uses the opportunity to smartly settle score: from the NBA, turned into a circus and where very young players are getting paid exorbitant salaries just to put on a show (dunks...) to denounces the hypocritical homophobia dominating sports (even though he is not gay himself), and, even, racial prejudices (remember his comments about Larry Bird: 'overrated because White').
It's more than about basketball. It's sensible, intelligent, and is a blunt outlook upon sports and the NBA by one of its most controversial veterans. A truly enjoyable read!
One could be forgiven to expect a deliberately shocking read just to sell (and the cover as much as the title don't help preventing against such bias...). Well, nope! Here is, in fact, a very sensible and smart book indeed.
Starting when, in 1993, the police found him in a pick-up truck, parked in a Detroit stadium and with a gun on his laps (his wife just divorced him, he barely saw his daughter, and his teammates had all been traded elsewhere) he retells his story. He talks about his childhood, in the poor Black ghettos of Dallas. He retells how, because he was good playing basketball, he was sent to a College
just to join their team. He talks about his friendship with another kid, White, who will have him to live with his family (farmers with whom he will stay for more than 4 years, an experience that will stay with him for the rest of his life). He talks about his divorce, his relationship with his daughter, his 'saga' with Madonna. He talks about his career as a player -Detroit and the powerful, aggressive play of the 'Bad Boys' (him, Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer), San Antonio, where neither the coach nor the other players could accept him for who he was, and, of course, Chicago, where, under the leadership of Phil Jackson his talent will fully blossom.
The style is crude, he has a big mouth, and he can be annoyingly wimpy at times (when he complains about his salary...). But he also uses the opportunity to smartly settle score: from the NBA, turned into a circus and where very young players are getting paid exorbitant salaries just to put on a show (dunks...) to denounces the hypocritical homophobia dominating sports (even though he is not gay himself), and, even, racial prejudices (remember his comments about Larry Bird: 'overrated because White').
It's more than about basketball. It's sensible, intelligent, and is a blunt outlook upon sports and the NBA by one of its most controversial veterans. A truly enjoyable read!
December 1, 2025
“I chose number 91 when I got to Chicago…And nine and one add up to 10…”
Not going to lie, it’s a little raunchy, so brace yourself. Especially the Madonna chapter. However, it’s pure, unfiltered Rodman for who he is and I respect that!
It is a bit cringy again when he talks about women, white vs. black women. Not hating, but I don’t know how I feel about him telling the world what white women are confident about. Such a generalization. Of black women too. And everything about race feels a bit touchy to me too. However, I’m reading this nearly 30 years after it was written, society has changed. I wish I was old enough to read this in the 90s!
As someone from San Antonio, I heard a lot of crap about Rodman when I was a kid and he was playing for us. It’s great to finally hear his side of the story and I’m happy he got to write this book! I was one of the ones who went out and had my mom buy me a Rodman jersey when I heard he was traded.
I like Rodman, and I get him, everything he’s saying about himself in this book, but it sounds kind of cocky almost. It would have sounded better if somebody interviewed him and wrote this about him. But he’s being REAL, and that’s what he’s saying he always was, out there on the court and in the NBA.
I respect the fact that he didn’t cave to the NBA management by portraying an image of a “pretty boy.” And he’s right about the fans, I was one of those kids that said, “Mommy, Daddy, I like that guy with the green hair.”
I also agree with this at the end of the book, “I think the Spurs just didn’t appreciate what my character could bring to the team and the city.”
This man must be the most selfless man when it comes to team work, sure he’ll sing his own praises, but he’s working for the team and to be part of the puzzle. He’s not trying to be pretty with the most shots or slam dunks, he brings energy with his reflexes and mind, knowing where the ball will go. Pure genius.
Final random thoughts:
I love that he keeps calling me “bro” all throughout the book!
Oh, and he really loves Pearl Jam!
About half of this book is basically saying, he lets people think what they want about him.
Okay his last game in the nude?? WTF?!!
To Dennis Rodman:
You start the book talking about that night in the palace parking lot, you bring it up throughout the book. I don’t think you're taking suicide lightly or anything, but for someone who’s fought that same battle, you seem obsessed with talking about taking your life, specifically, pulling the trigger. Why? So you can end it on your own terms? I don’t get it or the need to constantly put that in this book. You said it, we get it, appreciate the vulnerability and discloser, now leave it be. Two psychiatrists say you’re fine, you have our attention, well mine at least. Chill.
Not going to lie, it’s a little raunchy, so brace yourself. Especially the Madonna chapter. However, it’s pure, unfiltered Rodman for who he is and I respect that!
It is a bit cringy again when he talks about women, white vs. black women. Not hating, but I don’t know how I feel about him telling the world what white women are confident about. Such a generalization. Of black women too. And everything about race feels a bit touchy to me too. However, I’m reading this nearly 30 years after it was written, society has changed. I wish I was old enough to read this in the 90s!
As someone from San Antonio, I heard a lot of crap about Rodman when I was a kid and he was playing for us. It’s great to finally hear his side of the story and I’m happy he got to write this book! I was one of the ones who went out and had my mom buy me a Rodman jersey when I heard he was traded.
I like Rodman, and I get him, everything he’s saying about himself in this book, but it sounds kind of cocky almost. It would have sounded better if somebody interviewed him and wrote this about him. But he’s being REAL, and that’s what he’s saying he always was, out there on the court and in the NBA.
I respect the fact that he didn’t cave to the NBA management by portraying an image of a “pretty boy.” And he’s right about the fans, I was one of those kids that said, “Mommy, Daddy, I like that guy with the green hair.”
I also agree with this at the end of the book, “I think the Spurs just didn’t appreciate what my character could bring to the team and the city.”
This man must be the most selfless man when it comes to team work, sure he’ll sing his own praises, but he’s working for the team and to be part of the puzzle. He’s not trying to be pretty with the most shots or slam dunks, he brings energy with his reflexes and mind, knowing where the ball will go. Pure genius.
Final random thoughts:
I love that he keeps calling me “bro” all throughout the book!
Oh, and he really loves Pearl Jam!
About half of this book is basically saying, he lets people think what they want about him.
Okay his last game in the nude?? WTF?!!
To Dennis Rodman:
You start the book talking about that night in the palace parking lot, you bring it up throughout the book. I don’t think you're taking suicide lightly or anything, but for someone who’s fought that same battle, you seem obsessed with talking about taking your life, specifically, pulling the trigger. Why? So you can end it on your own terms? I don’t get it or the need to constantly put that in this book. You said it, we get it, appreciate the vulnerability and discloser, now leave it be. Two psychiatrists say you’re fine, you have our attention, well mine at least. Chill.
September 25, 2025
Bro, i think Dennis is top 10 all time in basketball and the biggest personality to ever be in the NBA - that said he has many issues too, which to this day he is still struggling with. this was good but also self-contradictory at times - Dennis makes a big point to say he doesn’t believe in race & color of your skin that we’re all the same to then calling San Antonio a white ass conservative town that can f off (not saying i disagree) and i was really digging all he had to say in support of LGBTQ to only remember his support of Donald Trump through both presidential terms.
i would like to read more from him and about him but he’s quite a beast.
i would like to read more from him and about him but he’s quite a beast.
November 9, 2025
Don’t get me wrong on the 3 stars, I genuinely did enjoy reading his book. Dennis Rodman will always be one of my favorites! I loved how he gave his own side of the story of why he does what he does and why he is who is. & it seems like that all he wanted was for people to understand, respect and accept him for him, just the way he is. && if you didn’t he didn’t care either tho 🤣 I will forever love Dennis Rodman for bad as he wanted to be lol
December 10, 2024
Although this book is approaching 30 years old, I still think it is interesting to hear the thoughts of one of the NBA’s most interesting players. I enjoyed the book, though it was short. I believe that there is much left untold. He played more years of basketball after this book and probably has much more to say. It was worth the time it took to read.
September 11, 2022
"what I wanted was this: to set a tone for the rest of the game, so when it came down to that last second shot, they were thinking about me instead of their job"
Vaya personaje.
Vaya personaje.
October 26, 2025
This book would be like one third the length if Dennis Rodman said things only once
July 30, 2022
Some of the most misogynist bs I’ve ever read but the cover is iconic.
January 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this super conversational, intelligent, humorous look at the institution of the NBA, American fame, the objectification of basketball players and the strangling control of their social interactions, and race relations.
I think that you have to go into this with a preexisting ideology that kind of aligns with Rodman's--he definitely doesn't take the time to sit down and explain the origins of his anger for the system, and I think if you come into it assuming he is ungrateful because of the dollar tag that comes with his position, you'll find the book overly and needlessly aggressive.
But if you understand the anthropological and social origins of growing up disenfranchised, estranged from certain family members, and if you're the kind of person who'd also dap up Kim Jong Un, you'll get it. Super fun read, poignant statements, and extremely clever observations of American society from a really unique perspective.
I think that you have to go into this with a preexisting ideology that kind of aligns with Rodman's--he definitely doesn't take the time to sit down and explain the origins of his anger for the system, and I think if you come into it assuming he is ungrateful because of the dollar tag that comes with his position, you'll find the book overly and needlessly aggressive.
But if you understand the anthropological and social origins of growing up disenfranchised, estranged from certain family members, and if you're the kind of person who'd also dap up Kim Jong Un, you'll get it. Super fun read, poignant statements, and extremely clever observations of American society from a really unique perspective.
November 7, 2022
Pretty bad. If you want to know every reason why Dennis Rodman got screwed (in his words), read this
September 17, 2009
Bad as I Wanna Be is the autobiography of star player Dennis Rodman. The book begins with Dennis telling of his young childhood and being raised by a single mother. Dennis Keith Rodman was born in Trenton, New Jersey to Shirley and Philander Rodman Jr. After his father left the family (and eventually went on to father 27 other children) his mother and two sisters relocated to Texas where Rodman completed High School and worked overtime at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. There he grew 14 inches taller and is now 6' 8".
While working at Fort Worth Airport, Rodman was arrested for shoplifting watches. He was fired and went back to his mothers house where he lived. Because of his sudden growth, Dennis decided to give Basketball another try. Determined to enter the NBA, and for a better future, Rodman gained attention from the Detroit Pistons and was the 27th pick in 1986. After joining 5 teams in 14 years, he won seven consecutive rebounding championships and 5 championships.
The book also talks about his personal life during his NBA career. Dennis Rodman is a pronounced bisexual, and has admitted to having contracted HIV. He also claims that famous singer Madonna desperately wanted to have children with him. Rodman once wore a wedding dress to promote this book, and claimed he was marrying himself. Rodman admits he would have committed suicide during his early NBA career if it were not for the Rock band Pearl Jam on the radio. Rodman is widely known for his crazy lifestyle including painting his fingernails and dying his hair multiple colors.
Dennis Rodman has a total of 5 NBA Championships, 6,683 career points, 11,954 rebounds, 1,600 assists in his NBA career. To me, Dennis Rodman was the greatest small forward rebounder of his time. Despite his on-court antics and unorthodox lifestyle, Rodman overcame his troubled childhood and became a great player in the NBA.
While working at Fort Worth Airport, Rodman was arrested for shoplifting watches. He was fired and went back to his mothers house where he lived. Because of his sudden growth, Dennis decided to give Basketball another try. Determined to enter the NBA, and for a better future, Rodman gained attention from the Detroit Pistons and was the 27th pick in 1986. After joining 5 teams in 14 years, he won seven consecutive rebounding championships and 5 championships.
The book also talks about his personal life during his NBA career. Dennis Rodman is a pronounced bisexual, and has admitted to having contracted HIV. He also claims that famous singer Madonna desperately wanted to have children with him. Rodman once wore a wedding dress to promote this book, and claimed he was marrying himself. Rodman admits he would have committed suicide during his early NBA career if it were not for the Rock band Pearl Jam on the radio. Rodman is widely known for his crazy lifestyle including painting his fingernails and dying his hair multiple colors.
Dennis Rodman has a total of 5 NBA Championships, 6,683 career points, 11,954 rebounds, 1,600 assists in his NBA career. To me, Dennis Rodman was the greatest small forward rebounder of his time. Despite his on-court antics and unorthodox lifestyle, Rodman overcame his troubled childhood and became a great player in the NBA.
October 17, 2024
Good but made halfway through his career so I was left wanting a while retrospective
January 26, 2010
I can see where some people are going to be put off by this book and by what this man has to say about his life, but I found this book to be thought provoking and on a fundamental level... he makes sense.
I always thought DR was tough on the court and wild and crazy off the court, but in reading this book - I get him. Maybe not entirely, but I have a better understanding of where he is coming from. If you aren't a fan of the game or a fan of his era in basketball, I can see where you wouldn't appreciate this.
The game of baskeball has not been a simple game for a very long time. It is an industry that earns its cash off of the players backs. Inequities were/are prevelant. But as a fan of players and the game... I see where it is and has always been more about the players and less about the game. This makes me more interested in the politics of the game and reading the other basketball books I have on my bookshelf.
I always thought DR was tough on the court and wild and crazy off the court, but in reading this book - I get him. Maybe not entirely, but I have a better understanding of where he is coming from. If you aren't a fan of the game or a fan of his era in basketball, I can see where you wouldn't appreciate this.
The game of baskeball has not been a simple game for a very long time. It is an industry that earns its cash off of the players backs. Inequities were/are prevelant. But as a fan of players and the game... I see where it is and has always been more about the players and less about the game. This makes me more interested in the politics of the game and reading the other basketball books I have on my bookshelf.
October 4, 2009
I'm a fan of 90's Bulls, and of course a great admirer of Michael Jordan. So it's no wonder if I have Michael Jordan's biography.
But Dennis Rodman's biography? Eww! It has the most provoked cover I've ever seen! Just a bike, 5 balls, and naked Rodman. LOL...
I'm not his fan, though. But I felt this book is a tool for him to throw up all his bitterness toward other NBA players and 'injustice' of NBA industries. He felt his contribution and skill was underrated and other players that he thought waaaaay worse than him get paid more than he was. I counted not many people he respected in this book. A few of them are Chuck Daly, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson.
This book ends with the dawn of his time in Chicago Bulls, so it doesn't tell much about Bulls team, but it's safe to say that his new team appreciated him more than San Antonio Spurs did.
But Dennis Rodman's biography? Eww! It has the most provoked cover I've ever seen! Just a bike, 5 balls, and naked Rodman. LOL...
I'm not his fan, though. But I felt this book is a tool for him to throw up all his bitterness toward other NBA players and 'injustice' of NBA industries. He felt his contribution and skill was underrated and other players that he thought waaaaay worse than him get paid more than he was. I counted not many people he respected in this book. A few of them are Chuck Daly, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson.
This book ends with the dawn of his time in Chicago Bulls, so it doesn't tell much about Bulls team, but it's safe to say that his new team appreciated him more than San Antonio Spurs did.
September 14, 2015
I originally read this as a young teenager, when I was a huge fan of Rodman and the Chicago Bulls. I admired that he was the outcast of NBA, and I would've easily given this book 4 or 5 stars then. However, reading it now, at age 31, I realize as much as I admired Rodman then, it didn't compare to how much he admired himself when he wrote this. I was quickly annoyed by him elevating himself above the other players, insinuating that he basketball couldn't even survive without him. The most irritating part was him complaining about his salary. He was making a measly 3 million a year, which to him was nowhere near what he was worth. However, he didn't become a huge star mostly until after the time frame of this book. If you're still a fan of Rodman this book could be very enjoyable, if not, there are probably much more satisfying reads out there.
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