Rodman Fined For Tardiness

May 16, 1998 / 8:11 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Dennis Rodman, looking cool and casual in red-checked warmup pants, was back at the Chicago Bulls' practice Saturday. He'll be a poorer man for missing Friday's drills after arriving late.

"We had everybody here and everybody is on the same page so everybody knows that there are no problems," Bulls coach Phil Jackson said after Saturday's workout at the team's suburban Deerfield complex.

"Dennis will be a little shorter in the pocket, that's about all."

How much of a fine?

"I haven't figured that out, but I'll get back to you when I do figure it out. It will be substantial," Jackson said with a smile.

Rodman has been on his best behavior most of the season, the result of an incentive-heavy contract.

He was sent home Jan. 23 from New Jersey after missing a shootaround following a late night out. He missed two practices in February one because he said he misplaced his car keys and lost his starting role for two games.

Jackson didn't say why Rodman was tardy. When the Bulls ousted Charlotte in the conference semifinals Wednesday night, Rodman pulled down 21 rebounds before heading to his favorite downtown night club to celebrate.

He missed practice Friday but did arrive in time to work out as the Bulls began preparation for Sunday's Game 1 against Indiana in the Eastern Conference finals.

"Dennis didn't have his mind on what is going on," Jackson said Saturday.

"For him two days is a long ways away from a series. He still had plenty of time, as far as Dennis was concerned. He practiced hard today and he's ready, plenty of time to get ready for a 2:30 game tomorrow.

"On Dennis' terms of time, he's in fine shape. My terms? No."