Matt Moore

By Matt Moore


Dennis Rodman 2011 Hall Of Fame Speech (VIDEO) by 3030fm

Video via Jose3030 on Twitter. 

Dennis Rodman was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Friday night, and did not disappoint. After a wardrobe change, we kid you not, Rodman took to the podium in tears and forced his way through an emotional and contrite speech. He specifically targeted himself as having failed as a husband, son, and father. He said his one true regret was that he wished he'd been a better father. He spoke of the eccentric wardrobe and behavior and how it was an exterior to express his desire to be a colorful individual. 

It was an at-times disjointed speech, but filled with emotion, a true appreciation of the accomplishment and love for the game.  It was at once truly fitting of Rodman's career and a stark contrast to Michael Jordan's bitter pettiness-fueled tirade two years ago. Rodman in particular spoke of both Chuck Daly and his presenter, Phil Jackson, along with Jordan and Pippen. Rodman seemed truly overwhelmed by the moment, putting aside his excessive behavior (outside of two nose rings and a lip ring, and gave a speech worth remembering. It doesn't change who Rodman has been, or who he will be, but it does cement the fact that Rodman belongs here, among players like Artis Gilmore and coaches like Tex Winter. 

The Worm is in the Hall, and he went in on his own terms as you could have guessed.