international relations

Dennis Rodman Apologizes for CNN Rant, Explains He Was Just Drunk

Dennis Rodman waves to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, seated above in the stands, after singing Happy Birthday to Kim before an exhibition basketball game with U.S. and North Korean players at an indoor stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Kim Kwang Hyon)
Rodman waves to pal Kim Jong-un on Wednesday. Photo: Kim Kwang Hyon

Relatives of Kenneth Bae were pretty irate about Dennis Rodman’s recent outburst on CNN, but perhaps they’ll be more understanding after learning the former NBA star only suggested their loved one should be imprisoned in North Korea because he was inebriated. Rodman said in an e-mail from his publicist to the AP:

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I want to apologize. I take full responsibility for my actions. It had been a very stressful day. Some of my teammates were leaving because of pressure from their families and business associates. My dreams of basketball diplomacy was quickly falling apart. I had been drinking. It’s not an excuse but by the time the interview happened I was upset. I was overwhelmed. It’s not an excuse, it’s just the truth.

Implying ailing American missionaries deserve fifteen years of hard labor for vague “anti-state” crimes against North Korea:  We’ve all been there, right?

Implying ailing American missionaries deserve fifteen years of hard labor for vague “anti-state” crimes against North Korea:  We’ve all been there, right?

Rodman continued:

Dennis Rodman Sorry for Rant, Says He Was Drunk