Prosecutors file DUI charge against Rodman

Greg Risling

Orange County prosecutors Tuesday filed drunk driving charges against pro

basketball star and Newport Beach resident Dennis Rodman -- two and a

half months after he was arrested near South Coast Plaza.

Rodman, 38, was charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the

influence. His arraignment is scheduled for April 3. He isn’t required to

attend the hearing because it isn’t a felony charge, said county District

Attorney spokeswoman Tori Richards.

Rodman, who now plays for the Dallas Mavericks, was leaving the Clubhouse

Restaurant on Dec. 23 when police stopped him on Bristol Street. Rodman

was driving his powder blue Bentley and wasn’t wearing a seat belt at the

time of his arrest, authorities said.

Rodman took a blood test at the Costa Mesa Jail. Results from that test

revealed Rodman’s blood-alcohol level was 0.15, nearly twice the legal

limit in California. He posted $2,500 bail and was freed the night of his

arrest.

The delay in filing the charges may have stemmed from conflicting reports

about Rodman’s behavior that night. There have been a few accounts that

allege Rodman appeared intoxicated as he left the restaurant. Others have

said Rodman didn’t show any signs that he was drunk.

Rodman’s attorney, Paul Meyer, could not be reached for comment.

Richards confirmed that the D.A.’s office has received another case

involving Rodman. Newport Beach police have responded to complaints of

noise at Rodman’s West Newport home six times during the last year.

Rodman has paid more than $2,200 in civil fines, but police say it has

done little to stop him from throwing all-night parties.

Newport Beach police submitted the case to prosecutors in hopes that

criminal charges would quiet Rodman. The case is currently under review.

“We are talking about infractions, so it might be hard to file,” Richards

said. “We have to prove the charges rise to a criminal intent. It is a

high standard.”