Greg Risling
NEWPORT BEACH -- After responding to yet another disturbance at the
oceanfront home of former basketball star Dennis Rodman this month,
police are examining other alternatives to curb the noise from his
frequent parties.
Newport Beach police are considering the possibility of submitting a
criminal case to the Orange County District Attorney's office next month
against Rodman for his reportedly boisterous, late-night affairs that
have irritated some of his neighbors.
The case probably wouldn't be more than an infraction resulting in
steeper fines or community service. But police may pursue the legal
action anyway because the fines Rodman has amassed apparently haven't
sent a strong enough message, said Sgt. Mike McDermott.
"The fines haven't made a strong impression with him, I guess," McDermott
said. "We want to employ some other tools in the arsenal."
Police are given the authority to assess civil fines in a section of the
city's municipal code. Once police have responded to a specific location
a minimum of three times, they can issue the citation.
So far, Rodman has been visited by police six times over the last year
and he has paid more than $2,200 in fines, authorities said.
It appears the millennium celebration at the Rodman household hasn't
stopped. Police have responded to his pink stucco home on Seashore Drive
on two occasions this year, the most recent on Jan. 11. Rodman and about
20 of his friends were partying on his patio facing the beach. Police
responded at 4:41 a.m.
According to authorities, Rodman laughed when he was issued another $750
fine for the disturbance and told police, "My attorney will take care of
this."
Neither Rodman nor his attorney could be reached for comment Friday.
Some of Rodman's neighbors are accustomed to his parties. David Nelson,
who rents an apartment near Rodman's home, said he isn't bothered by any
of the noise.
"It comes with the territory of living down here," he said. "I don't
think Rodman is a bad neighbor. He's just having a good time and enjoying
his time while he's still here."
Other neighbors believe Rodman has been a disruptive force, one who
doesn't care about the consequences of his actions.
"We are used to this in the summer, but this is the off-season now," said
one neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. "All we are asking for is a
little bit of courtesy and respect. Is that too much to ask?"
The 38-year-old power forward, who won NBA championships with the Detroit
