s_knight8
2003-08-01 03:06:47 UTC
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/6430486.htm
SANTA ANA, Calif. - Former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman testified
Thursday in a civil trial that he doesn't remember meeting a woman who
accused him of sexual assault.
The suit alleges Rodman drugged, raped and imprisoned former waitress
Jo Len Ann 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.
Rodman, sporting midnight blue hair and multiple rings in his nose,
lips and ears, said Thursday he doesn't recall meeting the plaintiff
and denied raping her.
"I have no recollection of Ms. McGowen," said Rodman, who said he
sometimes drinks heavily but denies using or giving anyone drugs. "I
don't think anyone can remember where they were in March 2001."
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."
SANTA ANA, Calif. - Former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman testified
Thursday in a civil trial that he doesn't remember meeting a woman who
accused him of sexual assault.
The suit alleges Rodman drugged, raped and imprisoned former waitress
Jo Len Ann 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.
Rodman, sporting midnight blue hair and multiple rings in his nose,
lips and ears, said Thursday he doesn't recall meeting the plaintiff
and denied raping her.
"I have no recollection of Ms. McGowen," said Rodman, who said he
sometimes drinks heavily but denies using or giving anyone drugs. "I
don't think anyone can remember where they were in March 2001."
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."