LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 14: Dennis Rodman attends the Comedy Central Roast of Bruce Willis at Hollywood Palladium on July 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Dennis Rodman is heading to Russia. That's right, America's favorite diplomat is at it again. The 61 year old, 5 time NBA champion is going to try and help bring Brittney Griner home.
The 31 year old Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison on accused drug possession charges. Griner is a two time Olympic gold medalist and current WNBA star. She was initially detained in Russia in February after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her possession. She has filed an appeal.
Rodman told NBC News that he has received permission to go to Russia as he aims to "help that girl." Rodman says he intends to go sometime within the next week. Back in 2014, Rodman met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said Putin was a "cool guy". However he says all they did was talk about sports during his visit.
Does Rodman need United States permission?
The answer to that question is "NO".
Rodman doesn't need permission from the U.S to travel to Russia. He does need a Russian visa. However, the United States has imposed sanctions on Russia since their February invasion of the Ukraine. My favorite quote is this one from Dennis Rodman: "I know Putin too well". Really Dennis? Vodka and Borscht(a Russian soup) for everyone in the room huh Dennis?
America's "Unofficial Diplomat"
Dennis Rodman over the past few years has become kind of an unofficial diplomat. He's formed several friendships with a couple of international leaders who have not necessarily been in the best of graces with the United States.
Rodman has called North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un a "very good guy" and a friend. He even helped American prisoner Kenneth Bae to be released back in 2014. Rodman while visiting Singapore in 2018, met with Kim and former U.S President Donald Trump.
Griner testified that she did not mean to pack the cannabis oil in the first place and had no intention of breaking the law.
President Joe Biden Not Happy About This
A senior Biden administration official told NBC News that Rodman's actions are more likely to hurt Griner's cause than help her. According to a Biden official, "It's public information that the administration has made a significant offer to the Russians and anything other than negotiating further through the established channel is likely to complicate and hinder release efforts."
I hope this works out for Griner and Rodman. We will know if it went well if Putin emerges from the meeting with some kind of nose ring or other bodily piercings. More on Shemon and Sheppard later!!
