Dennis Rodman has now gotten involved in the Brittney Griner saga.
The former Chicago Bulls star told NBC News on Saturday that he was planning to visit Russia to seek the release of the WNBA star, who was recently sentenced to nine years in prison on drug charges.
“I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl,” Rodman said. “I’m trying to go this week.”
According to NBC News, Rodman — who was in D.C. for a sneaker convention — does not actually need special permission from the U.S. to enter Russia, but rather a visa from Moscow, but the State Department is strongly discouraging travel to Russia for American citizens.
While it is also unclear exactly what kind of role or influence Rodman could have, it is not the first time he’s been involved in international affairs. He has taken credit for the release of American Kenneth Bae from North Korea, pointing to his cushy relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whom he has visited multiple times.
Rodman does not necessarily have the same relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, although he did call him “cool” after a trip to Moscow in 2014.
“I know Putin well,” Rodman told NBC.
The U.S. State Department recognizes Griner as being “wrongfully detained” and former U.S. ambassador to the UN told the Associated Press last month he was optimistic the US could bring Griner home via a prisoner swap.
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