Dennis Rodman’s heartbreaking rift with his daughter: Soccer star Trinity uses BBC Wimbledon row to double down on their feud – after blasting ‘fame-hungry’ alcoholic who was never there for her
This week, comments made by Andrew Castle about Trinity Rodman’s missing father have highlighted the strained relationship between them, as she criticized him for bringing up the topic.
At Wimbledon, the 23-year-old American soccer player found it problematic when her father was mentioned during her support of her boyfriend, Ben Shelton (ranked No.10).
Trinity openly criticized Andrew on Instagram for mistakenly identifying her as Dennis Rodman’s child on live television and using the incorrect name Tiffany instead of hers.
Instead of mentioning her father during her games, the sports champion firmly stated that she prefers not to have her partner discussed in such contexts as well. She had previously received an apology from the BBC due to an incident involving her father.
Trinity, a player for Washington Spirit and the US women’s national team, has publicly discussed her challenging rapport with the NBA Hall of Famer, who gained notoriety for his flamboyant, womanizing behavior.
In case you’re unaware, I go by TRINITY, not Tiffany.


In addition, Ben has his family present at his games for support, which includes his father. Unfortunately, my father is not part of my life, so there’s no need to mention him during Ben’s matches. I prefer not to discuss him during my own matches either. It’s a special moment for Ben and his loved ones. Thank you.
‘HE’S NOT A DAD’
In 2012, Dennis parted ways with Michelle Moyer, who is Trinity’s mother, and for extended periods, there was little to no communication between him and his daughter. Furthermore, he didn’t play a significant role as a father, as Trinity shared in an emotional conversation with Alex Cooper on the Call Her Daddy podcast last year.
The five-time NBA champion rarely showed any signs of wanting to be a parent when not under public scrutiny.
Growing up mainly under the care of their mom Michelle Moyer in sunny California alongside her brother DJ Rodman, Trinity expressed to the podcast interviewer: ‘He isn’t a father figure. Biologically perhaps, but otherwise, no.’
As his devoted admirer, I endeavored to coexist with him. However, it proved challenging as his lifestyle was a non-stop whirlwind of parties, with an endless stream of strangers gracing our shared space. His affinity for the limelight was undeniable.
A significant portion of the very open conversation focused on Dennis, aged 64, and his recurring lack of presence in Trinity’s life.
Over a span of two decades in professional basketball, Dennis earned just as much fame for his party lifestyle as he did for his defensive and rebounding skills.
However, once Dennis left the game following his tenure with a British team in 2006, he didn’t become less active. Instead, he has been addressing issues related to alcohol addiction since then.



While conversing with Alex, Trinity wasn’t shy about referring to her dad as someone struggling with alcoholism. Despite the tumultuous aspects of Dennis’ private life, Trinity expressed a sense of obligation to shield his public persona, despite its blemishes.
She expressed: ‘We don’t wish to portray him negatively, and this sometimes means suppressing our feelings. It’s almost as if the anger I’ve been unable to express freely is quite challenging for me.’
Dennis did not show up at any of Trinity’s games, except for one NWSL quarterfinal in 2021. However, he failed to inform anyone that he would be there.
She shared: ‘He attended my match, and I was so furious. My mom didn’t know about it until he suddenly appeared. I believe she received a call or message. However, they were seated in a luxury box right next to the field. And what made things even more challenging was that it was my rookie season, and we were playing in the quarterfinals. To make matters worse, I was already nervous as could be, worrying about our team winning.’
Trinity said, ‘I’m heading out and I’ll be playing… that’s when I heard him,’ she explained. It had been months since she last saw her father. Hearing his voice was like a high-pitched ringing to her, and he called out, ‘Come on Rodman, come on Trinity.’
‘And I’m like, ”oh my f***ing gosh.” Like, there’s no way this is happening right now.’
Shortly after, Trinity broke into tears on the playing field while her teammates gathered for a drink break. During this crucial match of her early sports career, memories of her distant father unexpectedly flooded her mind.
Teammate and close friend Ashley Sanchez quickly noticed the problem.


Trinity realized instantly,” she said. “She reacted with something like, ‘Oh dear me.’ She gave me a comforting hug and said, ‘It’s alright. Let’s see this through until the break, we’ll discuss it then in the locker room. For now, focus on finishing this half.’ She encouraged me not to worry about it.
‘I was like, ”Sure, let me just forget,”’ Trinity laughed. ‘Easy advice.’
In the end, Washington emerged victorious, but post-game headlines focused on a touching moment she had with Dennis after the final horn sounded.
The heartwarming picture of Dennis embracing Trinity became widely popular, just like the public’s response to her touching remarks about their future together following their match.
But the reality of the situation was far different.
The whistle sounded, making me incredibly angry. I exclaimed, ‘You’ve spoiled this joyful moment for me once more. You keep messing with my mind,'” she said to Cooper. And he did it repeatedly. I believe he is fully aware of his actions.
However, upon approaching Dennis, her towering 6-foot-8 father, he drew her near and bestowed upon her a comforting paternal embrace instead.
Trinity said, “I go over there, he takes hold of my head, and I burst into tears in his arms, feeling much like a daughter with her father.
Dennis did offer to connect with her in Washington.


She expressed, “I look forward to seeing you soon, as I’m currently in Washington D.C.,” to which I responded, “Alright.” Following that, there was no communication. I did not encounter him again until approximately this year. Our conversation or sighting didn’t happen until, I believe, shortly after the World Cup.
Again, Trinity felt foolish for hoping to have a relationship with Dennis.
She admitted, “I foolishly believed that would be a fresh beginning.” Every time, it turned out the same way. He would return, and I’d think, ‘Here we go again. We’re starting something new. He’ll be around.’ Time after time, it was months, then years. This instance was particularly long, and I just thought, ‘Alright, that’s fine.’
These days, Trinity no longer has her father’s phone number, for several reasons. Firstly, it frequently changes, making it difficult to keep up-to-date. Secondly, she doesn’t feel compelled to maintain contact due to a lack of pressure.
Dennis has tried to reach out, but Trinity isn’t exactly waiting on him.
She mentioned, “Over the last few weeks, he’s been trying to reach me on the phone. It turned out the caller ID showed a Texas number, which I wasn’t aware he resided there. That was surprising information for me.
Trinity said that she does not even have his number saved on her phone.
She’s currently picking up the phone because she feels it’s important to speak with him first, as she believes he needs to hear her voice before any other action takes place.
‘That’s why I answer the phone, not for me. He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else.’
TOO LATE TO SAY SORRY
After the interview, Trinity declined to accept a public apology from Dennis, who had pledged to mend their damaged relationship. Instead, she dismissed his conciliatory gesture on social media as nothing more than a joke.
Following the critical interview, Dennis issued an apology to Trinity via Instagram, expressing his determination to work things out between them for as long as necessary.


He expressed, ‘Even though I may not have been the father you hoped for, know that I’ve always striven and continue to do so without end. Despite being advised as an adult not to contact you, I will persist in my efforts. It won’t be easy, and it may take time, but I promise to keep trying.’ Along with a collection of memories they shared together, this was accompanied by photos.
‘No matter the time or method, whether it’s your voice or a voicemail, I constantly express my pride in you. My greatest wish has always been that my children would call and visit me. I hope one day this dream becomes reality. As for now, I’m still here, waiting to answer your calls, you have my number. You see me trying to reach out, I’m still here Dennis RODMAN – Dad.’
In concluding my apology, I mentioned that contrary to your assertion about my attendance at your soccer games, I do indeed watch you play regularly. To clarify, there were instances where I flew in specifically to watch you play, only to be advised not to attend due to the company I was with at the time. My intention was always to support you, and I deeply regret that circumstances prevented me from being there physically as often as I would have liked.
I stayed on the balcony of my hotel room, keeping an eye out for everyone’s satisfaction. After all, it’s part of what I love about my kids – their untold stories #untold #storys.
In my dedication to rebuilding our relationship, my efforts to reach out to my estranged daughter, Trinity, were met with resistance. Instead of finding common ground, she made it clear that she has chosen to distance herself from me in a fiery reaction.
Just a funny remark, your reaction, and the spotlight – wrapping it up like a towel after using it. Thanks for the laugh [thumbs up emoji]

BBC BACKLASH
After repeated mispronunciations of her name by BBC commentator Andrew Castle during live broadcasts, Trinity eventually received an apology for the error and the unintentional reference to her estranged father.
Trinity hit out online after the tennis pundit wrongly referred to her as ‘Tiffany’.
The BBC apologized on Castle’s behalf, as he competed twice at Wimbledon in the 1980s, for accidentally pronouncing her name incorrectly throughout their recent broadcasts from the All-England Club in London.
The family bond between Trinity and Dennis was frequently mentioned during the BBC’s broadcasts, as Trinity enthusiastically supported her partner Shelton at Wimbledon.
During Shelton’s earlier game broadcast, as cameras zeroed in on Trinity, it was stated by Andrew that, in his view, her father is Dennis Rodman, whom he believes to be among the greatest athletes of all time.
‘The greatest rebounder in NBA history and the biggest wind-up merchant of all time.’
Online commentators claimed he had displayed insensitivity towards Trinity by making a subtle, harmful comment, and expressed concern that he lacked empathy in the situation.
Instead of critiquing, she expressed her dissatisfaction on her Instagram account towards Castle, the 61-year-old ex-GMTV host and Strictly Come Dancing participant, regarding his Wimbledon broadcasts.



She has posted on Instagram in response: ‘For those who don’t know, my name is TRINITY not Tiffany.
‘Also, for Ben’s matches he has his family there as a support system, which includes his dad.
I prefer to keep my father out of the conversation during sports events since he doesn’t play much of a role in my life. I believe those moments should be focused on him and his family, not me.
Her message has received online support from fans – and now the BBC has responded to the backlash.
Andrew Castle’s representative from BBC has stated on his behalf, “Andrew offers his apologies for incorrectly pronouncing Trinity Rodman’s name during the tennis match between Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Sonego.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following the electrifying sports scene closely, and let me tell you, the dynamic duo of Trinity and Ben have truly captured my attention. Over the past few days, Ben has been making waves in the men’s singles tournament, reaching the quarter-finals. However, on Wednesday, he narrowly missed out on securing a spot in the semifinals against the formidable world No.1, Janik Sinner.
Trinity wasn’t the sole spectator garnering attention as Shelton cheered; his sister, Emma, was equally noticeable among his most dedicated supporters.
In an attempt to reciprocate, he decided to appeal publicly on television, aiming to persuade Morgan Stanley to extend her vacation from work.



After his victory over Marton Fucsovics on Saturday, Ben shared in an interview that Emma, whom he calls his “good luck charm,” had plans to return to the United States for work duties.
Ben shared that his sister has been present at each game he’s played during this tournament, as she’s been with him throughout.
“She’s had good fortune by her side. However, she needs to return to work in the U.S., as of next Monday, where she is employed at Morgan Stanley.
A noisy outburst of disapproval arose from the audience when the camera focused on Emma, who seemed amused, covering her mouth with her hands while giggling.
Ah, ah, ah! Alright then, let’s see if we can find a fun way for you to take a break from your task, Ben playfully suggested.
The tennis player expressed, “If someone here has some influential contacts who could arrange for her an additional break, it would help us continue our success, and I would greatly appreciate it.
I’ve shared a video on my Instagram Stories recently, featuring Emma who was bouncing up and down in response to me asking, “Are you taking the week off or not?” It’s with a shoutout to Morgan Stanley.
On Monday, I found myself once again nestled amongst the crowd, my heart pounding with excitement as I watched Ben battle it out in his fourth-round duel against Sonego. Yours truly, an ardent fan!
One of the announcers mentioned that she was able to continue working here likely due to Ben’s encouragement, and as a result, her employer allowed her to stay for a bit longer and take fewer breaks.
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2025-07-10 17:36