Rodman arriving today

Dennis Rodman’s personal bodyguard and one-man advance party Craig Balkam says the way is clear for the former National Basketball Association (NBA) star to make a smooth landing here early this morning.

Balkam, 37, is an expert in executive protection and learned the intricacies of the trade from well-known Israeli security consultant Moshe Alan. He’s been in the business since graduating from high school in New York nearly 20 years ago. His specialty is protecting clients from stalkers and death threats.

"I’ve had my share of rough experiences," says the 6-3, 250-lb Balkam. "I’ve had knives thrown at me and I’ve been shot at."

Through it all, Balkam has survived and his clients can’t say enough about his style. In his long list of satisfied celebrity customers are Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Barbra Streisand, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Paris Hilton.

Balkam has worked with Rodman the last 10 years. He was introduced to Rodman by close family friend Thaer Mustafa who happens to be the seven-time NBA rebounding leader’s best friend and manager.

Because of his sensitive line of work, Balkam won’t reveal details of his experiences in protecting Rodman.

"I’ve traveled with Dennis all over the US and around the world," he says. "I know his wife Michelle who’s a fine lady but beyond that, I’m not disclosing. You can find out more about Dennis’ family life in his latest book."

Rodman is coming over not only to play two games but also to appear in a book autograph-signing session at the Fully Booked Gateway branch in Cubao from 2 to 5 p.m. this Sunday.

The book "I Should Be Dead By Now" is what Balkam refers to. Rodman co-wrote the 224-page hard-cover edition with Jack Isenhour last year.

Fully Booked will make available for sale only 500 copies of the book starting Saturday at a retail price of P1,399. The cover price in the US is $24.95. Buyers of the book are guaranteed a slot in the queue for the autograph-signing but they must show their receipts.

According to Fully Booked’s Talia Diaz, Rodman will be signing autographs only on his book. That means fans asking for his autograph on pictures, basketballs, magazines or whatever else will be turned away.

What Rodman will wear for the session is a mystery. In an autograph-signing to launch one of his books in New York, he wore a bridal gown. And in another affair, he came in a hearse. Maybe, he’ll ride a carabao into the Gateway Mall to give a touch of local color to the event.

Incidentally, Rodman has co-authored at least three other books, namely "Rebound" with Pat Rich and Alan Steinberg, "Bad As I Wanna Be" with Tim Keown and "Walk on the Wild Side" with Michael Silver. In 1997, Dan Dickley wrote a book on Rodman’s life called "No Bull."

Rodman is reportedly committing to play at least 20 minutes a game during the "Bad Boys" tour organized by Mario Whitmire, a former US serviceman who’s married to Iriga City native Terry Magistrado.

The "Bad Boys" are made up of Rodman and other NBA legends Calvin Murphy, Alex English, Darryl Dawkins, Otis Birdsong and playing coach Sidney Moncrief reinforced by collegiate standouts Kareem (Best-Kept Secret) Reid, Myron Allen, Olu Famutini, Jason Klotz, Colin Boddicker and Chad Wilkerson.

The "Bad Boys" play the San Miguel Beer All-Stars in Mandaue tomorrow and the Philippine national team, coached by Chot Reyes, at the Araneta Coliseum on Monday.

The oldest player among the visitors is Murphy who’s 57. Chito Loyzaga, 47, is the San Miguel Beer All-Stars’ senior statesman while the youngest is Ronald Magtulis, 29. Loyzaga’s teammates who are over 40 are Pido Jarencio, 41, Ed Cordero, 46, Ato Agustin, 42 and Allan Caidic, 42.

Balkam flew in last Saturday to "case the joint" and make sure things are in order for Rodman’s arrival. He has spoken to Rodman every day since his arrival to report on arrangements for his visit.

"I got in ahead of Dennis to learn the city, check out the venues where he’ll be going, know the ins and outs of the tour, anticipate problems and resolve them, touch base with the people who are in charge of the project, prepare a detailed itinerary and make the necessary arrangements for his mobility," explains Balkam. "Everyone so far has been accommodating and very nice. I treat everybody with respect and the Filipino people are warm and nice so it’s been great."

Balkam says he’s not at liberty to reveal where Rodman will be billeted but for sure, he’ll be staying in a comfortable suite.

"Dennis is really excited to come over and embrace the Philippines," continues Balkam. "I’ve told him how nice the people are. I think he’s a fantastic person, a really nice guy and a little shy. I love the guy. He’s kind and sweet. If you get to know him really well, you’ll know what I mean."

As for playing the game, Balkam says Rodman’s in shape.

"He’s an incredible physical specimen," he adds. "He can still play in the NBA if he wants to. It’s up to him. I think the fans are in for a big surprise when they see him play."

Balkam wouldn’t comment on how to deal with Rodman’s father Philander, who lives in Angeles City, if he shows up to meet his son. "I take my orders from Dennis," he says. "He’ll tell me how to deal with this situation if it happens."

Last month, I spoke to Rodman on the phone. It was late morning, Manila time, when Rodman called from Los Angeles. We talked for about 20 minutes and he wasn’t in a hurry to hang up at all. I found him to be friendly and polite.

"I don’t know much about the Philippines except that I’ve got a relative living there," said Rodman, referring to his estranged father who abandoned the player (when he was only three years old), two daughters and wife Shirley. "I don’t know if I’ll talk to him but if I do, it’ll be as a friend and on my terms, that’s all. All I want to tell him is to respect my privacy and individuality."

Aside from playing two games and appearing in an autograph-signing session, Rodman will conduct a clinic for about 120 kids.

Rodman is expected to take the country by storm. The games on Thursday and Monday should be sell-outs because when Rodman’s in uniform, expect the unexpected.