Dennis Rodman attends the "Celebrity Apprentice All Stars" Season 13 Press Conference at Jack Studios on October 12, 2012 in New York City.(Photo: Slaven Vlasic Getty Images)
ORANGE, Calif. -- Former NBA star Dennis Rodman has been found in
contempt of court and ordered to pay $500,000 in back child support to
his ex-wife, her attorney said Thursday.
The flamboyant basketball
player known for his off-court antics was sentenced to informal
probation, his ex-wife's attorney, Mary Ann Noiroux, told City News
Service. Orange County Superior Court Commissioner Barry Michaelson
warned Rodman could face jail time if he doesn't pay the child support,
she said.
Rodman's attorney, Linnea Willis, didn't return an email from The Associated Press and a phone number did not take messages.
Another
attorney for Rodman's ex-wife argued in court that Rodman owed his
ex-wife, Michelle Rodman, about $850,000, but Linnea Willis, the former
NBA standout's attorney, challenged that figure, Noiroux said.
The two sides met outside court and agreed to $500,000, which Michaelson approved, Noiroux said.
Dennis and Michelle Rodman must still work out custody and visitation for their two pre-teen children: a son and a daughter.
A trial is set for Jan. 24 on those issues, but the two hope to work out an agreement before the court date, Noiroux said.
This isn't the first time Dennis Rodman has been found in contempt.
Rodman,
recognizable by his facial piercings and his hair that's died in
brilliant colors, was ordered to perform 104 hours of community service
in May after being found guilty of four counts of contempt for failure
to pay child support for 2009 and 2010. He is completing that work in
Florida, where he lives.
The legal battle between Rodman and his former spouse began in 2004, when Michelle Rodman filed for divorce.
Dennis
Rodman was a bad-boy star of the Detroit Pistons and won three NBA
championships with the Chicago Bulls. He was inducted into the NBA Hall
of Fame last year.
The eccentric athlete who once dated Madonna
and was briefly married to Carmen Electra lived in California's Orange
County before moving to Florida.
He frequently attracted the attention of police with loud parties at his Newport Beach residence.
Associated Press