USA: NEW YORK: BASKETBALL STAR DENNIS RODMAN PROMOTES NEW BOOK

Описание: (22 Aug 1996) English/Nat

U-S basketball star Dennis Rodman has turned up on the streets of New York in full bridal regalia to promote his new book.

The flamboyant Chicago Bulls forward, who was once romantically linked to pop diva Madonna, pulled the stunt to pump up sales of his autobiography, "Bad As I Wanna Be".

But while some fans approved of Rodman's cross-dressing antics, others weren't so sure.

Never one to shy away from publicity, basketball star Dennis Rodman stepped into a throng of curious onlookers for his unveiling as a would-be bride.

The gown, the makeup and the bright red lipstick is all part of a publicity stunt to generate interest in Rodman's best-selling autobiography, "Bad As I Wanna Be".

Rodman is known for causing a stir off the basketball court, with his ever-changing hair colour, tattoos and body piercing.

The flamboyant Chicago Bulls forward has made frequent public appearances in women's clothes.

But reviews of his latest outfit were mixed.

SOUNDBITE:
"It's hysterical. It's fun, you know."
SUPER CAPTION: Jessica Kirzner, spectator

SOUNDBITE:
"Well, he's not quite a woman, I don't think, just yet. You never know. Might be the first female N-B-A basketball player."
SUPER CAPTION: Sarah Jennings, spectator

SOUNDBITE:
"I'm a fan of his, but I don't really like the way he dresses. Looks kind of like a faggot."
SUPER CAPTION: Joseph Ruala, spectator

But if Rodman was in the mood to tie the knot, his girlfriend wasn't - she didn't show up.

Instead, he was accompanied to the bookstore by a bevy of female grooms from a New York strip club.

A New York newspaper says Rodman wants to marry his current girlfriend, Stacy Yarborough.

Yarborough works as a stripper at the "Scores" sports cabaret, which caters to an elite crowd of celebrities and athletes.

She has said that Rodman has proposed to her several times, but that marrying him would just bring trouble.

As he signed copies of his new book, Rodman declared that the would-be wedding was a symbol of betrothal to all his fans.

The fans who turned out -- most of them women -- praised the fair-haired forward for his individuality.

SOUNDBITE:
"I think he's maybe letting other people feel more comfortable with themselves and doing what they want as well, in the N-B-A and everywhere. He's a real inspiration."
SUPER CAPTION: Jasmine Ruotollo, spectator

SOUNDBITE:
"He looked really great in a dress. Whoever did his makeup did a really good job this time."
SUPER CAPTION: Jana DeHart

SOUNDBITE:
"He's original and he does his own thing. You got to love him."
SUPER CAPTION: Jennifer McGee, spectator

When asked how he planned to top the bridal stunt, Rodman declined to unveil his next move.

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...