Dennis Rodman has apologized. Not that it's done him an good with the NBA.

The Detroit Pistons' Rodman wrote a letter to Scottie Pippen apologizing for shoving the Chicago Bulls forward into a basket upright during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday. The NBA has fined Rodman $5,000 for his action.

"You are a great player, and I'm glad you weren't hurt by the incident," Rodman said in the letter. "It was merely one of frustration."

The letter also apologized to the Bulls organization and wished Pippen and his teammates luck in the NBA Finals. Copies were sent to league officials and officials for both teams. Maybe if Rodman had sent copies to Pippen's family . . .