Rodman racks up another record

Greg Risling

WEST NEWPORT -- It’s not exactly a championship ring, but former NBA

superstar Dennis Rodman has notched another record-breaking

accomplishment.

The 38-year-old rebound hound, who played for a pair of NBA

championship teams -- and the Los Angeles Lakers -- has earned the

dubious distinction of having police respond to his home more than any

other Newport Beach resident. Police have visited Rodman’s home in the

4800 block of Seashore Drive six times this year, the most recent on

Sunday night -- less than 24 hours after he was arrested on suspicion of

public drunkenness at Woody’s Wharf.

Police have received numerous complaints from anonymous residents

about their famous neighbor. But the several incident reports issued by

police and resulting in administrative fines obviously haven’t slowed the

tattooed hoopster turned sometime professional wrestler.

“This is the most we’ve dealt with one particular residence in a

calendar year that I can remember,” said Newport Beach police Sgt. Mike

McDermott. “I think people who live in that area are tolerant of the

typical noise, but he’s stretched them to the limit.

The neighborhood, dominated by seasonal vacation rentals, is known to

have its share of late-night parties. Some neighbors, who are friendly

with Rodman, concede that he is starting to test their patience.

“We knew when he moved in that he was going to have some parties,”

said one neighbor, who wanted to remain anonymous. “But, man, they are

loud over there and he usually doesn’t get in until 3 or 4 a.m. It’s the

summer, so I can forgive and forget, but I hope he slows down soon.”

Police said all of the complaints about Rodman have been received at

night. Typically, they will find about 20 to 40 people partying on

Rodman’s patio with music playing loudly, McDermott said. The party is

usually broken up immediately after police arrive. However, two weeks ago

Rodman was cited for disturbing the peace, an infraction under the

municipal code, which is usually resolved with a payment of a fine.

Rodman also has paid administrative fines levied by the city for each

time the police department responds. The fine starts at $250 after the

second violation and escalates to $750. Rodman will have to pay about

$2,500 in fines for this year’s disturbances.

There are more severe penalties Rodman could face should his neighbors

turn on him and decide to try to terminate his presence as public

nuisance or by filing a civil lawsuit against him.

Councilwoman Jan Debay said noise complaints are hardly new

developments in West Newport. The mix of apartments and homes close

together allows noise to permeate through the streets. Debay said she is

working with residents on a specific portion of Seashore Drive to

alleviate some of the noise problems.

“I think it boils down to some people not being thoughtful,” Debay

said. “There are a lot of people coming and going and they are partying

during the middle of the night. There is still a noise problem, but I

think it’s got a lot better since I moved here in 1979.”