Rodman Separates Shoulder in Motorcycle Crash

Dennis Rodman separated his shoulder in a motorcycle accident Sunday and could sit out the next month of the NBA season.

“He was out on a beautiful Texas day . . . and apparently the stop sign came up on him a little quick. He slammed on his brakes. His bike went down. He went down. He separated his right shoulder, completely separated it, so he’ll be gone two to four weeks,” Spur Coach Bob Hill said.

Dr. David Schmidt diagnosed Rodman with a third-degree separation of his right shoulder, team spokesman Tom James said, adding he was uncertain whether Rodman was alone at the time.

The accident is one of a series of mishaps and misbehavior associated with the league’s leading rebounder.

On Thursday, Rodman arrived in the second quarter of the Spurs’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers. He said he overslept when his alarm clock failed to go off. He never left the locker room during the Spurs’ 112-86 victory.

Rodman was suspended from the team for the first three games this season and then took a leave of absence Nov. 12.

He was again suspended Dec. 7 when he failed to return from his leave of absence for meetings with Hill. The Spurs activated him from the suspended list Dec. 10.

Hill said Rodman’s excellent physical condition could enhance his recovery. Rehabilitation was scheduled to begin today.

“He’s feeling OK. He’s disappointed it happened, certainly,” he said. “The rest of the guys are just going to have to step up a little higher, which they’re capable of doing. We’re just going to give him some support.”

The team does not fault Rodman’s track record for the accident, James said.