Dennis Rodman testifies in sexual assault civil trial

By LAURA WIDES
Associated Press Writer

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) Former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman doesn't recall meeting a woman who filed a civil lawsuit against him alleging that he sexually assaulted her.

Rodman, sporting midnight blue hair and multiple rings in his nose, lips and ears, testified Thursday in the civil trial that he had ``no recollection'' of meeting former waitress Jo Len Ann McGowen and denied raping her.

``I don't think anyone can remember where they were in March 2001,'' Rodman said in a Santa Ana courtroom.

The suit alleges Rodman drugged, raped and imprisoned McGowen in his Newport Beach home in March 2001. Rodman, 42, has been sued at least twice in the past for allegedly assaulting women.

The suit filed by McGowen, 39, alleges Rodman met her at a Newport Beach restaurant that he co-owns and gave her beer that she claims was laced with a narcotic. She said she was taken to Rodman's home nearby, raped several times and prevented from leaving as she slipped in and out of consciousness.

The suit accuses Rodman of sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence and battery and assault, and seeks unspecified damages. No criminal charges were ever filed against Rodman.

McGowen's attorney portrayed Rodman as a celebrity who believes he is above the law.

``My theme in this case is 'bad as I want to be,''' said attorney Marcus Mancini, referring to the title of the athlete's autobiography, published several years ago. ``Because Mr. Rodman considers himself above the fray. Mr. Rodman considers himself different from the rest of us.''

Rodman's attorney, John McKay, said in court that McGowen couldn't even remember the exact date of the alleged incident but bragged to her friends that she had sex with Rodman.

When Rodman arrived at the bar, she went directly to him and wouldn't leave him alone all night long, McKay said.

The allegations are nearly identical to those made against Rodman by another woman, who claims she was sexually assaulted by Rodman at his home four years ago.

Former Playboy model Tina New filed a $10 million suit against Rodman that was recently settled out of court. No criminal charges were ever filed in that case.

McKay called McGowen's case ``a copycat'' of New's case.

Rodman said he is being unfairly accused in the lawsuits by women who are trying to capitalize on the star's bad boy image.

``I look at this like, 'Dennis Rodman he is very colorful, he's very different,''' Rodman said outside of court, where he was accompanied by his wife Michelle Moyer. ``That's why this is happening.''

Earlier this month, Rodman announced his desire to make a comeback in the NBA.

Rodman, a key member of the Chicago Bulls championship teams between 1996-1998, married 36-year-old Moyer in May. The two met in a bar four years ago and have two children together but continue to live apart.

Rodman was not expected to testify when the trial resumes Friday.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)