Ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman accused of spousal abuse

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman has been charged with spousal abuse, brandishing a deadly weapon and trying to dissuade a witness in connection with a domestic violence incident last month at a Century City hotel involving his girlfriend , the Los Angeles city attorney’s office said Thursday.

“His girlfriend of four years sustained visible physical injuries,” said Nick Velasquez, city attorney’s spokesman. Rodman, the one-time L.A. Lakers and Chicago Bulls rebounder, must appear in court May 22, although the charges are misdemeanors, because alleged domestic violence is involved, Velasquez said.

Rodman was arrested April 30 after police were called to the Intercontinental Hotel in the 2100 block of Avenue of the Stars about 10 p.m. Police said Rodman, 47, “hit a woman and she suffered injuries to her arms.” Rodman was booked at the Van Nuys jail and released on $50,000 bail.

Steve Simon, one of Rodman’s managers, told The Times that alcohol was involved in the altercation, which left the woman with a bruise. Rodman, who has a history of run-ins with law enforcement, has sought help for substance abuse in the past and since his arrest last month has reportedly checked into a Florida rehab facility.

 richard.winton@latimes.com