Rodman Is Suspended for Use of Profanity

Dennis Rodman, the man of many marketing schemes and hair colors, was suspended Tuesday for two games by the Chicago Bulls for using profanity during a live TV interview in Toronto on Sunday.

The suspension, without pay, will cost Rodman $104,878 and is effective immediately. He will miss Wednesday’s game against Minnesota and Friday’s game at New Jersey.

“We’re not going to tolerate the language Dennis used,” Bulls general manager Jerry Krause said.

“Dennis’ use of foul and abusive language and the embarrassment he caused the Chicago Bulls organization by subjecting young children and loyal fans to his profane outburst cannot and will not be tolerated.

“We condemn in every way what Dennis said and the words he used,” Krause said. “This suspension, which will cost Dennis $104,878 in salary, speaks out about our concern.”

Krause said that the team would donate the $104,878 to charity “so that some good may come out of this situation.”

Rod Thorn, the NBA’s vice president of operations, said Tuesday that because the Bulls had suspended Rodman the league planned no further action.

“We hope he understands the seriousness of this incident and recognizes his conduct during and after the game was completely unacceptable,” Thorn said in a statement.

Before the suspension was announced Tuesday, Rodman apologized during a Bulls practice at suburban Deerfield, Ill.

“I apologize to all the people, the kids who heard all that,” Rodman said. “It was uncalled for. I apologize to the people it was directed to, but it was one of those things, it was under the heat of the battle. I made a mistake.”

Rodman unleashed a profanity filled diatribe at the league office and referees after he was ejected from Sunday night’s game after picking up his second technical foul.

SportsChannel, which carries Bulls games and does live post-game interviews, carried Rodman’s tirade without editing.

Rodman was called for an offensive foul Sunday night and waved his arm at referee Mike Mathis, who was under the basket.

Bill Spooner, stationed near midcourt, hit Rodman with the technical, his second of the game, resulting in the ejection.

“It’s sad. David (Stern) has these referees in diapers and they can’t make any calls. I’ve never seen anyone get a technical foul for waving his hand,” Rodman said.

“They don’t have the nerves to stand up for themselves. They have nothing. Their chains are pulled by Rod (Thorn). I’m not one of his puppies. ... I just don’t understand what’s going on.”