Dennis Rodman has checked into rehab after being arrested by the Newport Beach Police Department for driving under the influence. Rodman’s agent, Darren Prince, says Rodman has entered treatment at Turning Point Rehabilitation Center in Paterson, New Jersey.
“It’s no secret Dennis has been struggling on and off with alcoholism the past 17 years,” Prince wrote in an email to USA Today Sports. “He’s been dealing with some very personal issues the past month and we’re going to get him the help he needs now.”
The eccentric retired basketball player was at first pulled over for an unspecified vehicle code violation, but officers found it necessary to subject Rodman to field sobriety and breath tests—both of which he failed. Rodman was cooperative as officers arrested him, booked him and, seven hours later, released him.
Rodman has long struggled with drinking, citing it as the reason for his bizarre and disastrous visit to North Korea. Among other hijinks, he sparked outrage after being caught on video singing “Happy Birthday” to dictator Kim Jong-un.
In a rambling interview with CNN, he also insinuated that Kenneth Bae, an American who was sentenced to 15 years hard labor in North Korea for acts of “treason,” did something to deserve it.
“What was potentially a historical and monumental event turned into a nightmare for everyone concerned. Dennis Rodman came back from North Korea in rough shape emotionally,” Prince said at the time. “The pressure that was put on him to be a combination ‘super human’ political figure and ‘fixer’ got the better of him. He is embarrassed, saddened and remorseful for the anger and hurt his words have caused.”
He checked into rehab for the third time after the North Korea trip, spending three weeks at Turning Point.
Rodman also had a short stint on Donald Trump’s reality show Celebrity Apprentice in 2009, quickly receiving the trademark “you’re fired” after reports of his excessive drinking and alcohol-fueled meltdowns on the show.
Prince told USA Today Sports that he himself has been in long-term recovery for a decade now and hopes to help Rodman find his way as well.
“Dennis often tells me how much I changed for the better so I’m hoping to give him the same gift I’ve been given,” Prince wrote.