Rodman Arrested, Released

Former Laker 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 Rodman had been creating a disturbance in the bar, where he is a regular. A scuffle apparently 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 that they 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.

Rodman was booked into the Newport Beach Jail on suspicion of being drunk in a public place, a misdemeanor, and released on his own recognizance. Emerson was booked on suspicion of interfering with the police. He also was released.

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

Rodman played for the Lakers last season before being waived in April. He has also played in Detroit, San Antonio and Chicago.

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.