Los Angeles, CA – Dennis Rodman, a basketball legend known for his flamboyant style and multiple championships, has recently made headlines not for his sports achievements but for his personal life and recent tattoo tributes. While he has expressed a desire to improve his relationship with his children, his latest ink—celebrating his girlfriend—has sparked discussion about his priorities.
Rodman, who has openly discussed his struggles with fatherhood, recently shared a video on Instagram showcasing his new tattoo: a portrait of his girlfriend, Yella Yella, on his left upper hip. The tattoo depicts Yella Yella smiling, her hair swept to the side, situated next to a tattoo of Rodman’s own face, complete with his signature glasses, on his buttock. “Always By My Side 😮🤭,” Rodman captioned the post.
This latest tattoo follows an earlier gesture where Rodman honored Yella Yella with a realistic portrait on his cheek. In an interview with TMZ Sports, he explained the significance, stating, “I thank her for loving me the way I am, and that’s why I did it for her.” Despite these public displays of affection, Rodman has yet to honor his estranged children with similar gestures.
Rodman’s relationship with his children—Alexis, DJ, and Trinity—has been strained. Trinity and DJ have publicly discussed their estrangement from their father, with their mother often being their primary support. Trinity is making strides in the soccer world, while DJ is progressing in basketball. Former coach Chris Francis once remarked, “If Dennis was in that boy’s life every day, he would be a beast.”
The discord between Rodman and his children has been a recurring theme in his public life. In a poignant 2011 Hall of Fame induction speech, Rodman admitted his regret, saying, “I have one regret: I wish I was a better father.” This sentiment was echoed in his 2019 ESPN documentary, where he described his ongoing struggle with self-worth as a parent.
Rodman’s difficulty with fatherhood traces back to his own childhood, marked by a lack of a stable father figure. Reflecting on his past, he noted, “It’s very hard for me to try to break out of that cycle.” Despite his turbulent relationship with his children, there have been moments of reconciliation. In 2021, he made a surprise appearance at Trinity’s soccer game, a gesture that stirred emotions, though Trinity has been candid about the limited role he plays in her life.
Following Trinity’s gold medal win for the USA at the Paris Olympics, she was asked if she had heard from her father. Her simple response, “Nope, but my mom was there,” underscored the ongoing distance between them.
As Dennis Rodman continues to navigate his personal and professional life, the contrast between his public displays of affection for his girlfriend and his strained relationships with his children remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of his journey.