Rodman aiming for NBA return after British stint
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-02-16 08:57

LONDON (AFP) - Dennis Rodman headed for the United States, after completing a brief stint in the British Basketball League, insisting he could make a comeback to the highest level of the game, despite being aged 44, after being offered trials by two NBA clubs.

Brighton Bears' Dennis Rodman is seen during a press conference after a basketball match against The London Towers in London. [AFP]

He was speaking after playing for Brighton Bears in their 103-84 win away to London Towers after claiming 23 rebounds for the Bears against Newcastle 24 hours earlier.

Former Detroit and Chicago star Rodman, who became known to a whole new audience after appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, a British 'reality' television show, returned home having earned some 50,000 pounds for his brief spell in the BBL.

But it was Rodman's first appearance for Brighton, last month, which has sparked a row which threatens to rumble on long after he has returned home.

The five-times NBA championship winner faced Guildford in January despite the fact that Brighton already had the maximum of three work permit players on their books.

The club, from England's south coast, will be docked the two points they gained from winning that match after a clear infringement of league rules.

And Brighton were forced to leave out West Indian forward Andrew Alleyne against both Newcastle and London to avoid further censure.

That decision left Alleyne both upset and disillusioned and saw Brighton coach Nick Nurse launch a furious attack on league chiefs.

"It's ridiculous," said the American, who worked with club sponsors Genesis to secure Rodman's signature after the defensive specialist had appeared on Celebrity Big Brother.

"You've got one of the biggest names in basketball playing in your little league and you have to follow some dumb rules. "They (the BBL) completely dropped the ball.