National Women’s Soccer League star Trinity Rodman has opened up about her complicated relationship with her father, NBA legend Dennis Rodman. During her appearance on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, hosted by Alex Cooper, Trinity shared her painful experiences growing up with the absentee father, shedding light on the emotional void left by his erratic behavior and lifestyle choices.
Trinity, 22, publicly shared for the first time the extent of her discontent with her father's role in her life. "He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else," she said, addressing Dennis' sporadic involvement during her childhood. This frank admission encapsulated the frustration and disappointment Trinity has felt for years.
Although Dennis Rodman achieved great success as a five-time NBA champion, Trinity described her upbringing as challenging, particularly after her parents separated. She recalled moments of financial instability, even sharing experiences of living out of their car during difficult times. "We had (a Ford) Expedition and we kind of lived in it for a little bit," she said, highlighting the extremes her family went through. "Before the divorce, he was helping financially. But after, it was like, ‘F you guys.’"
According to Trinity, her mother, Michelle Moyer, bore the brunt of Dennis's decision to prioritize partying over parenting. She said, "We tried to live with him, but he’s having parties 24/7, he’s bringing random bes in." This chaotic environment prompted Michelle to seek divorce, which was finally finalized in 2012.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of her father’s absence, Trinity remarked, "Even now, I’m trying to be honest about it, and I’m still giving him sympathy... I think he’s an extremely selfish human being." This acknowledgment symbolizes her struggle to come to terms with Dennis's priorities and their consequences for her and her brother, DJ.
One significant point of tension has been Dennis's lack of support during Trinity's blossoming soccer career. She noted how he had attended very few of her games, recounting how his unexpected appearance at one NWSL quarterfinal match left her feeling overwhelmed. "When he showed up to my game, I was like so mad... I started crying on the field. So I’m trying to play the soccer game and I’m crying," she said, expressing the conflicted emotions of pride and anger swirling within her.
Despite winning the match, the episode turned bittersweet. "I was so mad. I was like: ‘You took this happy moment from me. You fed with my head again,’" she recalled, underscoring the complex nature of their relationship intertwined with public expectations. Their embrace captured by the media was seen as touching, but for Trinity, it signified the depth of her unresolved feelings.
For all the public spectacle, Trinity strives to manage her relationship with her father on her own terms. To this day, she answers his phone calls not out of desire but rather for her conscience, believing, "If something does happen, God forbid, I want to know I did my part." It’s evident her feelings are complicated; she still harbors hope, albeit faint, for some form of reconciliation.
Trinity's perspective on her father as "extremely selfish" resonates deeply. The athlete's narrative shines light on familial dynamics often overshadowed by public personas, refusing to shy away from the realities of emotional neglect. "Stupid me for thinking there would be some type of new spark," she expressed, lamenting lost opportunities for connection.
Acknowledging the depth of her struggle, Trinity articulated, "We never want to make him look bad... at the cost of holding in a lot." This sentiment reveals the sacrifices children make when trying to protect their parents' public images, even when it leads to personal anguish.
Despite these challenges, Trinity has succeeded on her own merits, carving out her space as one of the youngest, most promising players in women's soccer. Having won Olympic gold with the U.S. Women’s National Team, she emphasizes her identity beyond being simply "Dennis Rodman's daughter."
Looking back on her tumultuous relationship, the Olympic gold medalist continues to navigate these complicated feelings toward her father with resilience. With aspirations to be seen for her own achievements, Trinity Rodman uses her platform to amplify her experiences, reminding everyone of the nuanced realities behind the headlines. One thing is clear: her story is one of strength amid adversity.
