Jesse Jackson on Rodman’s Side?

Dennis Rodman is getting advice from all over.

First President Clinton suggested that Rodman shape up and admit he was wrong to kick a TV cameraman. Now Jesse Jackson says he is advising the Chicago Bulls star, and the civil rights leader wants to plead Rodman’s case before the NBA.

Jackson said he planned to meet with NBA Commissioner David Stern on Wednesday in New York concerning Rodman’s 11-game suspension for the Jan. 15 incident. NBA spokesman Brian McIntyre said no meeting was scheduled.

“Like everybody else, I don’t condone Dennis’ action,” Jackson told the Chicago Sun-Times in Wednesday’s editions. “I want to convey to the commissioner my sentiment and the sentiments of a growing number of people that Dennis has already been punished enough for the very act in question.”

“I dig what the brother does, and he appreciates what I bring to the table,” Rodman said. “He is one of the few public figures that I truly admire because I think he is really sincere.”

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Miami Heat guards Dan Majerle and Gary Grant will undergo back surgery today and each could be sidelined two months. . . . Phoenix Sun guard Rex Chapman will sit out at least four games because of a broken right index finger. . . . Jack Haley, the former UCLA Bruin and Laker who is better known as Rodman’s sidekick, is expected to sign a 10-day contract with the New Jersey Nets. . . . Veteran forward-center Tom Chambers is close to a deal with the Charlotte Hornets.