Basketball star Dennis Rodman removed from plane for refusing to wear mask

Los Angeles, California - Former professional basketball player Dennis Rodman is maintaining his bad-boy image even years later. On a recent flight from Los Angeles to Florida, he refused to wear his mask correctly - and got into trouble with authorities.

Dennis Rodman (r.) has caused a few scandals in his time, most recently in an altercation with a JetBlue flight crew over refusing to wear a mask (l. stock image).
Dennis Rodman (r.) has caused a few scandals in his time, most recently in an altercation with a JetBlue flight crew over refusing to wear a mask (l. stock image).  © Collage: 123RF/tupungato & IMAGO/MediaPunch

The ex-athlete, who is now 60, has never been particularly interested in playing by rules, and is well-known for his brushes with scandal.

On a domestic flight on Monday, he got into an altercation with the cabin crew, numerous outlets reported.

The five-time NBA champion is said to have refused to wear his mask correctly, even when the crew repeatedly asked him to place the covering over his nose and mouth.

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The former Chicago Bulls star apparently complained of breathing problems and pulled down the mask several times while sitting in first class on JetBlue.

However, since he was violating a federal mandate for all passengers and staff to be masked while onboard, staff called local police, who took Rodman into custody upon landing in Fort Lauderdale.

After a talk with the authorities, officials released the 6-foot-1 star without penalty or citation.

The former power forward has previously attracted negative attention for his disregard for coronavirus safety protocols.

He reportedly greeted fans at a supermarket last year without masking or using social distancing. And in Rodman's typical rebellious style, he did it with a cigar in hand.

The Hall of Famer has been slammed for his past questionable behavior, including once making headlines for allegedly partying with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un (37).

"Just being me," his Twitter bio says.

Cover photo: Collage: 123RF/tupungato & IMAGO/MediaPunch

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