Tests find Rodman driving under the influence

Greg Risling

COSTA MESA -- Former pro basketball star Dennis Rodman’s blood alcohol

level was nearly twice the legal limit when he was pulled over last week,

authorities said Thursday.

Results from a blood screening show the 38-year-old Newport Beach

resident was driving with a .15 blood alcohol level. California motorists

with a blood alcohol level over .08 are considered to be driving under

the influence.

Rodman was arrested by Costa Mesa police Dec. 22 after he left The

Clubhouse Restaurant in South Coast Plaza. Restaurant management

contacted the shopping center’s security who, in turn, alerted police

about Rodman.

Rodman was stopped near the intersection of Bristol Street and Paularino

Avenue. Police said the former Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers

player failed a field sobriety test and was taken to Costa Mesa Jail. He

posted $2,500 bail and will appear in court Jan. 24.

It is still unclear why restaurant management and mall security called

police given that Rodman reportedly didn’t show any outward signs of

being drunk. Police said they receive a handful of tips every week about

possible drunk drivers. However, a majority of those come from motorists

watching others behind the wheel on roads and freeways, police said.

Whether Rodman’s bad boy image preceded him in this case has remained

speculative at best. Attempts to reach Rodman and his attorney, Paul

Meyer, were unsuccessful.

Rodman had previously been arrested twice before last week but charges

were eventually dropped in both incidents.