Happy Birthday, Dennis Rodman: 3 Stories From Past Birthday Parties

When I turn 59, I'm probably going to look to celebrate by enjoying a nice, relaxing day with my family. Maybe I'll attend a baseball game, go out to dinner, reminisce with some old friends, and so on. Nothing too exciting, but exactly what I, a 22-year-old recent graduate, expect would be a 59-year-old's ideal day.

Even if there wasn't a pandemic, I can't imagine that Dennis Rodman would be spending his 59th birthday party at a ball game or at some low-key dinner. Maybe I'm wrong, but based on past history, I have a sneaking suspicion he'd do something a tad more rousing.

Today is that day, and he'll have to get creative because of the pandemic. But we know he's capable of celebrating his special day in a number of interesting ways, and we don't doubt he'll come up with something good this year.

Let's take a look back at some of his past birthdays that made waves throughout the sports and news world for various reasons.

What do Jeremy Roenick, Eddie Vedder and David Schwimmer have in common? Pretty much nothing. In fact, it sounds like the start to a joke. But in 1996, a hockey player, a rock and roll legend, and a goofy "Friends" cast member walked into a night club to celebrate the 35th birthday of the most flamboyant figure in the NBA.

May 13, 1996 fell on the off day between Game 4 and Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, but thankfully Rodman found the restraint to wait to celebrate his big day for real after that series was over. It wasn't until after the Bulls downed the Knicks 94-81 in Game 5 that Rodman threw a massive birthday bash at Crobar nightclub in Chicago. Others in attendance, according to the Chicago Tribune, were Scottie Pippen among other Bulls, Blues Traveler's John Popper, and the Rolling Stones' Darryl Jones.

Eddie Vedder was an especially special guest, given the deep connection he and Rodman shared. Rodman once thanked Vedder and Pearl Jam for saving his life when he was contemplating suicide.

Crobar closed down in 2010 but only after a "Last Dance" of its own, hosted by who else but Dennis Rodman.

Rodman's "48 hour" trip to Las Vegas that was documented thoroughly in "The Last Dance" must have left him with a good impression on the city. It must have been incredibly important for him to get back there for his 50th birthday, considering he celebrated in Vegas two and a half months after the actual date of his birth in order to throw a crazy party.

Some of the festivities, according to excerpts from the Las Vegas Sun's account of the event (via SB Nation, Yahoo! Sports, and NBC Sports) include:

- Rodman and his crew hanging out on Chateau's Strip-side terrace, drinking Red Bull-Vodkas while looking out over the Bellagio Fountains.

- Rodman dancing with Vegas go-go dancers while "mak[ing] it rain dollar bills" and doling out cigars to attendees.
- A lavish birthday meal made up of "shrimp cocktails, chicken skewers, sliders, macaroni and cheese pops, New York strip steak, Black Angus filet and pan-roasted Pacific Salmon".
- A night at a VIP table with some Jagermeister to help fuel the fun, followed by a breakfast with some Corona -- because who doesn't love a good breakfast brew?

Rodman spent his 58th birthday party on the rooftop of Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach, Florida. It was all fun and games until Jeff Soulouque, a Miami resident, alleged that Rodman randomly turned around and "open hand smacked" him. Rodman's attorney, Lorne Berkeley, said that Rodman was sober for the entirety of the event, and Soulouque himself said that Rodman immediately apologized afterward.

However, Soulouque looked to press charges after waking up the next day and noticed swelling on his face. Witnesses were present for both sides of the case. David Lee Roth -- no, not that David Lee Roth -- was at the party and said that he "saw Rodman smack Soulouque twice", but a security guard who was shadowing the NBA legend said there were no conflicts the whole night.

In October, Rodman was charged with battery, to which he pled not guilty, following his claims that nothing happened.

Here's to hoping that number 59 goes a little smoother than last year.

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