On Saturday, NBA legend Dennis Rodman said he “got permission” to go to Russia to seek the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in prison on drug charges.
“I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl,” Rodman told NBC News. He also added that he knew Russian President Vladimir Putin “too well”. In 2014, he was invited to Russia by Putin. He also has a friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who is an avid NBA fan. In 2014, Rodman took credit for the release of Kenneth Bae from North Korea.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Sunday the agency was aware of reports of Rodman’s intended travel to Russia. The spokesperson also pointed to their Level 4 travel advisory when it came to Americans traveling to Russia.
“Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19-related restrictions, and terrorism,” the warning reads. “U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart Russia immediately. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions.”
Rodman said that he is “trying to go this week”.
