Dennis Rodman missed Chicago Bulls practice in 1998 NBA Finals to wrestle with Hulk Hogan
DENNIS RODMAN missed practice during the 1998 NBA Finals in order to take part in a WWE show alongside Hulk Hogan.
The American played a key role in the star-studded Chicago Bulls side featuring Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
But the day after game three in the season-defining series, with the Bulls holding a precious 2-1 lead over the Utah Jazz, Rodman jetted off to Michigan to record a WCW Nitro show with Hulk Hogan.
Such eccentric behaviour would have been jaw-dropping from most players, but coach Phil Jackson knew that he had to indulge his colourful 6ft 7in star to get the best out of him.
Rodman, now 59, had regularly risked injury by appearing on WCW at the time - and even had a rivalry with Jazz star Karl Malone.
And on The Last Dance, the hit ten-part Netflix series documenting Jordan's career, Rodman shed some light on the bizarre situation.
I was just trying to play basketball, party, da, da, da, da. F*** all the girls. Just be me. Dennis s**t, you know.
Dennis Rodman
He said: "I wasn't trying to do anything.
"I was just trying to play basketball, party, da, da, da, da. F*** all the girls. Just be me. Dennis s**t, you know."
In surreal scenes, Rodman can be seen beating on Diamond Dallas Page with a steel chair.
He continued: "I think Phil [Jackson] realised that I needed to always do me, just go do what I do. They’re gonna get 100 per cent when I’m on the court."
And amazingly, the Bulls went on to win the championship, taking it 4-2 in game six.
Rodman himself contributed enormously - posting a series-high 50 rebounds across the six games.
MOST READ IN SPORT
Having defeated Malone on the court, Rodman then faced him again that summer, this time in the ring alongside Hogan - with his Jazz rival teaming up with Page.
And for a second time that year, Rodman reigned victorious.
He also engaged in high-profile relationships at the time with Madonna and Carmen Electra - and in recent years he has buddied up with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.