Finally, a Career Rodman Can Sink His Teeth Into

Head-butting referees? Kicks to the crotch? No problem.

In a career move many would argue was overdue, Dennis Rodman became a pro wrestler last weekend, joining tag-team partner “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan in a disappointing loss to Lex Luger and Giant in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The match ended when Luger got Hogan in his famed “torture rack” hold.

Rodman, the one in glitter and rouge with stripes on his face and black nail polish--in other words, dressed as usual--was impressive in the ring, leaping over the onrushing Luger, who obligingly ducked under him.

Hogan, the one with the suntan and thinning hair, said he didn’t expect Rodman to stay on the circuit but might just be rooting for his new best friend. The Chicago Bulls have yet to indicate they want Rodman back.

“The bottom line is if he takes it to another level, I’ll hold onto his pantyhose,” the Hulkster said. “It’s entertainment. That’s what this is about.”

Trivia time: What athlete set the most track and field records?

See ya later: Cornerback Rod Woodson turned down a $3-million, three-year offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1996, injured his knee, saw the offer drop and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He accuses the Steelers of doubting he can play at his former level.

“There is some truth to that,” Steeler owner Dan Rooney told the New York Times.

“But the larger factor was we had to invest a lot in the off-season in signing Jerome Bettis. . . . So the deal we offered Rod before the ’96 season was unavailable. Things change with time, and players don’t understand that when they turn down offers.”

No Fun League: The NFL says players can no longer take off helmets to celebrate but isn’t worried about losing personalities and fan appeal.

The NFL sells games, not stars. When Michael Jordan turned in one of the most dramatic performances in the NBA in the ‘90s, playing ill in Game 5 of the recent finals, it got a 20.1 rating. For the latest in a line of boring Super Bowls, the Packers’ rout of New England, the NFL got a 43.3.

“Every one of our regular-season games mean something,” New York Giant General Manager George Young says. “We sell intensity.”

Of course, with vacancies in Los Angeles, Houston and Cleveland, three of the nation’s biggest markets, one might question how adroitly the NFL sells anything.

“The NFL is so popular,” writes the Baltimore Sun’s Vito Stellino, “that it even survives its mistakes and lack of leadership during the regime of Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.”

Trivia answer: Ukrainian pole vaulter Sergei Bubka, who set 35 indoor and outdoor records between 1983 and 1994.

And finally: Steve Carlton, the famed recluse, surprised everyone by gabbing merrily away in an interview at the Fan Fest before the All-Star game.

“I enjoyed every minute of it,” Carlton said.

It reminds you of the old line, “He never learned to say hello until it was time to say goodbye.”