NBA legend Dennis Rodman has issued a heartfelt public apology to his estranged daughter Trinity Rodman following her candid remarks on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she criticized him for being absent and prioritizing a party lifestyle over their relationship. Trinity, a rising soccer star and Olympic gold medalist, shared her frustrations with her father, calling him an “alcoholic” and stating that he has not played a meaningful role in her life.
Trinity’s Candid Criticism
During the podcast, Trinity, 22, opened up about her complicated relationship with Dennis, detailing her childhood experiences and the emotional toll his behavior took on their family.
“He’s not a dad,” Trinity said bluntly. “Maybe by blood, but nothing else. We tried to live with him, but he was having parties 24/7, bringing random b****es in. He loves the spotlight.”
Trinity described her father as someone more invested in his public image and partying than being present for his children. She admitted to harboring anger and resentment but said she still felt a need to protect his reputation. “We never want to make him look bad. And that is at the cost of holding in a lot,” she said. “The anger I haven’t been able to let out is difficult for me.”
Rodman’s Public Apology
In response to Trinity’s revelations, Rodman posted a heartfelt apology on Instagram, sharing old photos of them together and expressing regret for not being the father she needed.
“Sorry I wasn’t the Dad you wanted me to be, but either way, I still tried and I still try and never will stop,” Rodman wrote. “I will keep trying, even when you’re being told as an adult not to respond to my phone calls. I will try even when it’s difficult and if it takes a long time.”
Rodman reflected on his wish for a closer relationship with his children, writing, “I always had one wish, and it was that my kids would call me and come see me. Hopefully, one day I can get that. I’m here, and I’m still trying. Pick up the phone; you have my number. You see me calling. I’m still here.”
He also responded to Trinity’s claim that he was absent from her soccer games, revealing a previously untold story about his efforts to support her: “I actually flew in to watch you play and was told not to show up because of who I was with. So I watched you from my hotel balcony just to make everybody happy.”
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A History of Tension and Missed Connections
Trinity recounted specific incidents that highlighted the fractured nature of their relationship, including a surprise appearance by Dennis at one of her National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) games in 2021.
“He showed up to my game, and I was so mad,” Trinity recalled. “My mom had no idea until he was just… there. Going into my rookie year, into a quarterfinal, I’m already stressed. I hear him go, ‘Let’s go Rodman, let’s go Trinity,’ and I was like, ‘Oh my f***ing gosh.’”
She admitted that his unexpected appearance sparked brief hope for reconciliation, but those hopes quickly faded. “He was like, ‘I want to see you soon. I’m in D.C.,’” she said. “And after that, radio silence. I didn’t see him again until after the World Cup.”
Reflecting on these interactions, Trinity expressed her disappointment at repeated cycles of brief contact followed by prolonged absence. “Stupid me for thinking that was going to be some new spark,” she said. “Every single time, I thought, ‘Here it is again. We’re going to start something.’ And then months or years would pass.”
Rodman’s Turbulent Past
Dennis Rodman’s struggles with alcohol abuse and his larger-than-life persona have been well-documented. Known for his flamboyant style and off-court antics as much as his Hall of Fame basketball career, Rodman’s personal life has often overshadowed his professional achievements. After retiring from the NBA in 2006, his partying lifestyle continued, and he sought treatment for alcohol abuse multiple times.
Trinity’s comments and Rodman’s apology highlight the lingering effects of his choices on his family. Despite his efforts to repair their relationship, his past actions have left deep wounds.
Trinity’s Rise as a Soccer Star
While navigating her strained relationship with her father, Trinity has emerged as a standout talent in women’s soccer. She is a forward for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL and a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, earning an Olympic gold medal at a young age. Her athletic success is a testament to her resilience and determination, traits she credits to her mother, Michelle Moyer, who raised Trinity and her brother DJ with limited involvement from Rodman.
A Hope for Reconciliation?
Rodman’s public apology is an acknowledgment of his shortcomings as a father and an attempt to rebuild bridges with his daughter.
Whether Trinity is open to reconciliation remains uncertain. For now, her focus appears to be on her career and personal growth, while Rodman continues to grapple with the consequences of his past actions.
As the world watches their story unfold, one thing is clear: the path to healing is complex and will require effort, understanding, and time from both sides.
