Rodman Arrested After Altercation at Bar in Newport

Former Los Angeles Laker turned aspiring professional wrestler Dennis Rodman spent several hours in jail Saturday night after he was arrested on suspicion of public drunkenness at a popular Newport Beach restaurant and bar.

Witnesses told police that the famously pierced, dyed and tattooed former NBA all-star had been creating a disturbance in the nautically themed bar, where he is a regular. A scuffle ensued, during which Rodman, 38, allegedly struck another bar patron, police said.

“Rodman was loud and belligerent and he slapped a man, but [the victim] left so we didn’t file battery charges,” Newport Beach Police Sgt. Mike McDermott said. “The bar owner and the manager asked [Rodman] to leave. But he didn’t want to.”

When police arrived at Woody’s Wharf on Newport Boulevard they also asked Rodman to leave, McDermott said. But Rodman, who lives in a waterfront home in Newport, became agitated and began jumping up and down, hitting his head against the ceiling, he said.

After Rodman declined a cab ride and refused to find someone sober to drive him home, police said, officers had no choice but to take him into custody.

Marty Ortegon, a waitress at Woody’s Wharf, said Rodman is a regular at the restaurant and “never gives anybody any trouble.”

Ortegon, who witnessed the altercation, said the incident began when Rodman was verbally harassed by a female patron at the restaurant.

Restaurant owner Ralph Furra said he believed that the woman was insulting Rodman. When the flamboyant athlete responded, her male companion allegedly grabbed Rodman, Furra said.

Rodman then reportedly slapped the man, police said.

Rodman and another man, Donn Emerson, 36, were arrested about 9:15 p.m. Saturday. Neither Rodman nor Emerson, of San Diego, could be reached for comment.

Rodman was booked into the Newport Beach City Jail on suspicion of being drunk in a public place, a misdemeanor, and was released on his own recognizance about 3 a.m. Emerson was booked on suspicion of interfering with the police when they tried to arrest Rodman. Emerson also was released.

Known for his ever-changing hair colors, body piercings and antics both on and off the court, Rodman also is well-known to the Newport Beach police. This was the athlete’s first arrest, but police say they have been to his home on Seashore Drive in response to noise complaints numerous times.

Police Sgt. Jim Kaminsky said police recently have made more than five visits to Rodman’s residence. Rodman has been fined as a result of the frequent disturbances, Kaminsky said. Under the department’s disturbance advisement procedures, the fines increase each time police are called.

A neighbor of Rodman’s, who asked not to be identified, said the former basketball player frequently arrives home with an entourage late at night accompanied by the sounds of automobiles and loud conversation. The neighbor said he was awakened by Rodman and his guests at least twice in the last week. Early Friday morning, he woke around 3 when Rodman and his guests returned home. When he rose at 7 a.m., the neighbor said, Rodman and his guests were out on the patio barbecuing and drinking beer.

One of the game’s greatest rebounders, and one of its most disruptive forces, Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers to much fanfare earlier this year, but the team waived him in April.

He played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls before joining the Lakers.

Rodman has since sought to make his mark as a professional wrestler, where his colorful ways are more the norm.

Rodman is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 1 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

Less than 24 hours after his arrest, Rodman was back in the vicinity of Woody’s Wharf for an outing with friends on his white speed boat, No Autographs.

“There’s nothing quiet about Rodman,” one observer remarked as the boat roared away from the shore.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.