LOS ANGELES, US - ECCENTRIC former basketball star Dennis Rodman has been charged with spousal battery following his arrest at a hotel in Los Angeles last month, prosecutors said on Thursday.

Rodman, a star member of five NBA Championship winning teams during colourful stints with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls, was detained on April 30 at a hotel in Century City near Beverly Hills.

Police said he had attacked his girlfriend of four years during the incident, leaving her with arm injuries.

The 47-year-old former athlete has been charged with three misdemeanours including one count of brandishing a deadly weapon and dissuading a witness, City Attorney's Office spokesman Nick Velasquez said.

Rodman, famous for his wacky hairstyles, body piercings and tattoos, faces up to 36 months in jail, one year of probation, domestic violence counseling and a protective order if found guilty.

He has been ordered to appear in court on May 22.

Rodman's attorney Harland Braun declined to comment on the charges. -- AFP