Dennis Rodman Ordered to Pay $500K in Late Child Support

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA -- Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman was found in contempt of court today and put on informal probation, avoiding any jail time, and was also ordered to pay $500,000 in past-due child support to his ex-wife, Michelle, her attorney said.

Orange County Superior Court Commissioner Barry Michaelson put Rodman, who was well known around town for his  wild Newport Beach parties, on informal probation until Dec. 31 of next year, but if he fails to pay the child support he could face jail time, according to Michelle Rodman's attorney, Mary Ann Noiroux.

Michelle Rodman's other attorney, Jack Kayajanian, argued that Dennis Roadman owed his ex-wife about $850,000, but Linnea Willis, the former NBA standout's attorney,  challenged that figure, Noiroux said.

When Michaelson said he was leaning toward awarding Michelle Rodman $450,000 to $500,000, the two sides met outside court and agreed to $500,000, Noiroux said.

Michaelson approved the agreement, Noiroux said.

"Now she's got a half-million dollars, now the question is collecting it," Noiroux said.

Dennis Rodman and his ex-wife still have to work out issues related to custody and visitation with their two children, Noiroux said. A trial is scheduled Jan. 24 on those issues.

"The attorneys are going to take a shot at settling that this weekend," Noiroux said. "We're very hopeful the parties will be able to resolve this. I remain eternally optimistic Ms. Willis and I will work out a settlement to the satisfaction of Mr. and Mrs. Rodman."

Messages left with Kayajanian and Willis were not immediately returned.

Michelle Rodman was "relieved" to have the child support issue behind her, Noiroux said.

"She's relieved to have the hearing over. It does not make her happy to have Dennis penalized in any way," Noiroux said. "But I think there's relief for the resolution of these issues, which have been so emotional and have gone on for years."

Michelle Rodman's attorney hopes the retired basketball star can pay his bill.

"Let's hope he gets on 'Celebrity Apprentice All Stars' next year," Noiroux said. "Dennis seems to be doing very well in his career."

The former couple have a son and daughter, who do not have medical insurance, Noiroux said. Michelle Rodman said after a hearing this summer she couldn't even afford a car.

In May, Michaelson ordered Dennis Rodman to perform 104 hours of community service, which he was doing in Florida, where he lives.

In June, Michelle Rodman testified before another judge that her ex- husband showed up at her Costa Mesa apartment in the middle of the night drunk and acting obnoxiously.

Rodman later denied her claims that he grabbed her by the arms and pushed her into her bedroom and that he ordered Jagermeister shots while at breakfast with his ex-wife and son at a Costa Mesa restaurant.

-City News Service