Rodman arrested for 'public drunkenness'

Former basketball star Dennis Rodman has been released from custody after being arrested for allegedly being drunk in public.

Orange County Sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino said the former NBA player was arrested after police received a call that he was driving his boat in Newport Harbour while under the influence of alcohol.

He said: "When we got there, Mr Rodman was at the dock next to the (restaurant) attempting to untie the boat. Deputies observed Mr Rodman fall to the ground.

"They interviewed him and determined he was under the influence of alcohol, unable to care for himself or his property."

Rodman, 42, was released last night from Newport Beach jail. A police lieutenant told KCAL-TV that he was held to give him a chance to sober up. Outside the jail, Rodman told reporters he fell because he was walking backwards.

Since Rodman retired from the NBA, Newport Beach police have gone to his home more than 70 times because of loud parties.

Last year, he was arrested and accused of obstructing officers investigating a code violation at his seaside restaurant. Prosecutors did not press charges.

Rodman launched his NBA career in 1986, but hasn't played since being released by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1999-2000 season. He played in 23 games for the Los Angeles Lakers before being released in the 1998-99 season, and has also turned out for the Chicago Bulls.