Trinity Rodman, the United States Women's National Team soccer star and daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, opened up about her complicated and often painful relationship with her father during her recent appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. This highly anticipated episode revealed the depth of their estrangement, showing how Dennis’s celebrity lifestyle impacted her upbringing.
During the conversation with host Alex Cooper, Trinity didn't hold back, sharing raw and unfiltered emotions about growing up with Dennis, who is known as much for his eccentricity and partying as for his basketball accolades. "He's not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else," she stated emphatically, highlighting the void her father has left throughout her life.
Reflecting on her childhood, Trinity recounted some stark memories. "We tried to live with him, but he's having parties 24/7, bringing random [expletive] in. He loves the spotlight," she said. These revelations painted a picture of neglect, as Trinity attempted to reconcile her father’s public persona with the reality of their home life. She described periods of instability, including living out of her mother’s Ford Expedition for weeks, noting, "We kind of lived in [the Expedition] for a little bit." This poignant admission not only sheds light on past struggles but also reflects the socioeconomic challenges her family faced.
Trinity discussed the emotional toll of growing up under such conditions, encompassing feelings of anger and desperation. "We never want to make him look bad, and at the cost of holding in a lot," she explained. Grappling with these feelings, she admits it has been difficult to express the pain caused by her father’s choices, especially when it came to money. "My dad, he likes to be in control," Trinity said of Dennis's controlling behavior over finances, noting how he often took her shopping rather than giving her money to enjoy with friends. "He needed to have the control of bringing us shopping and swiping his own card. But if we asked, 'Hey, could we have $100 to go get food,' he was like, 'No. You're using me.'"
The podcast episode recounted several significant moments, including one where Dennis unexpectedly showed up at one of Trinity's NWSL games during her rookie year. "I was like, 'You took this happy moment from me. You f***ed with my head again,'" she recounted, emphasizing how this surprise affected her emotionally. She had not seen or heard from him for months, and the moment was overwhelming to the point of tears. Yet, amid the frustration, she noted the moment ended with him expressing his desire to reconnect, though this promise faded quickly, leading to more disappointment.
Even more poignant was her acknowledgment of moving forward as she evaluates her father’s role in her life. Trinity shared her sentiments about Dennis’s addiction, stating candidly, "He’s an alcoholic... it’s just the truth," after years of public speculation about his choices. And though she still takes his calls—"I answer the phone now for my conscience... not for me"—her strained relationship with him remains one of ambivalence and hurt.
Despite the dysfunction, Trinity continues to forge her own identity and career as one of the brightest stars in soccer. Following her Olympic success, where she helped the United States win gold, her skills and dedication have earned her significant accolades. The disconnect with Dennis, though painful, has not defined her path. Still, she poignantly recognizes the scars left behind from years of trying to fit family expectations around her father's chaotic life.
Throughout the episode, Trinity emphasizes her need to heal and reclaim her narrative away from Dennis Rodman's shadow, once recognized primarily as "the daughter of Dennis Rodman" rather than as her individual self. Listening to her recount her experiences touches upon broader themes of familial expectations, resilience, and the strength it takes to speak out against toxic relationships.
Fans have rallied around Trinity, expressing heartbreak for her experiences and solidarity with her decision to share this side of the story. Social media response captured feelings from viewers: "The truth! Thanks for sharing Trinity Rodman. Dennis Rodman’s 30 for 30 is one of the saddest I ever watched." Another viewer remarked, "It's sad it's come to this but I also understand why this needs to be." Many feel this candid conversation is not only therapeutic for Trinity but necessary for recognizing her individual achievements apart from her father's legacy.
Trinity's reflections form an important piece of her series of statements about her childhood—an eye-opener for many who see the glamorous side of sports and celebrity without seeing the other side, the personal battles and complicated relationships. The path to healing may be long, but her willingness to confront it head-on is the first step toward forging her own identity and destiny as both athlete and individual.
