Rodman Gets 11-Game Boot Controversial Chicago Bulls Forward Must Also Pass Test Before Gaining Reinstatement

The NBA has kicked back.

The league on Friday handed out its harshest punishment in 20 years when it suspended Bulls forward Dennis Rodman for at least 11 games and fined him 25,000 for kicking cameraman Eugene Amos on Wednesday night in Minneapolis.

That’s not the end of the NBA’s disciplinary action. In an unprecedented move, the league also will require Rodman to meet with a therapist of its choosing before deciding when Rodman will play again.

In other words, he could miss even more games if NBA officials rule he isn’t mentally fit to play.

“Until Dennis can provide meaningful assurances that he will conform his conduct on the playing court to acceptable standards - including not placing others at physical risk - his suspension will continue,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said.

Rodman, whose salary works out to $9 million, including deferred payments, stands to lose more than $1 million in salary. That includes monetary incentives for number of games played.

Rodman and the National Basketball Players Association have talked about filing an appeal against the league’s ruling. But that wouldn’t be set in motion until Monday at the earliest. Rodman will already have missed two games by then, including Sunday’s matchup between the Bulls and Rockets in Houston.

Rodman has other things to worry about. Amos, 48, and his lawyer, Gail Pearson, met Friday with Minneapolis police and, according to Sgt. Pete Jackson, who is investigating the case, a fifth-degree misdemeanor assault charge may be brought against Rodman early next week.

Rodman could be forced to return to Minneapolis to appear in court. If convicted, the maximum penalty is a 90-day jail sentence, a $700 fine or both.

“Dennis was contrite and felt bad,” Bulls general manager Jerry Krause said after talking to Rodman. “We talked to the league (on Thursday), and Dennis knew he screwed up and there’s a penalty that comes with screwing up. We don’t condone what Dennis did, and the rest of it is a matter between Dennis and the league.”

His agent, Dwight Manley, said Rodman likely will file an appeal. But unlike in baseball, where a player can continue playing during the appeal, Rodman still would have to miss some games while the appeal goes through the league office.

Manley stressed that while Rodman’s actions warranted punishment, he thought the league sent a stronger message to Rodman simply because he is Rodman.

“In a court of law, you’re innocent until proven guilty,” Manley said. “But in the NBA, you’re guilty until proven innocent. It’s too bad the NBA has passed judgment like this. Dennis is willing to accept the punishment, but it seems the punishment is also for past occurrences. To punish him randomly for just being Dennis is just not right.”

Rodman’s latest controversy erupted Wednesday when he tripped over a photographer while battling Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett for a rebound. Out of frustration, Rodman kicked Amos, who was not involved in the tripping. Tapes showed Rodman kicked Amos in the back of the thigh. Amos was rushed to a local hospital after complaining of pain in his groin, back and neck. Amos was later released.

Amos met the media at the Hennepin County Government Center Friday in Minneapolis after giving his statement to Minneapolis police. He declined to say if he would seek recourse in civil court.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: NBA’S LONGEST SUSPENSIONS 26 - Kermit Washington, L.A. Lakers, for punching Houston’s Rudy Tomjanovich, 1977. 11 - Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls, and fined $25,000 for kicking a courtside television photographer, Jan. 17, 1997. 10 - Vernon Maxwell, Houston Rockets, for going into stands and hitting a fan, Feb. 6, 1995.