Dennis Rodman Defends Visit To North Korea For Kim Jong-Un’s Birthday
Dennis Rodman is defending his decision to bring an All-Star basketball team to the communist country of North Korea as part of its leader, King Jong-Un’s birthday celebrations.
The flamboyant former NBA star is trying to justify his visit to one of the United States greatest antagonists and very secretive nation of North Korea.
The unlikely “friendship” that has develop between Dennis Rodman and the ruthless leader Kim Jong-Un has the US concerned, as North Korea is guilty of some of the most blatant violations of human rights in the world, according to advocate organizations.
In an exclusive interview with CNN, Rodman says bringing the group of former NBA stars for the friendly game is “a great idea for the world.”
The former Detroit Piston got irritated when pressed about his presence in North Korea following the recent allegations that Un, fed his uncle Jang Song-taek to a pack of over 100 starving dogs, which has shocked the world.
The US is also concerned for the well-being of an American citizen, Kenneth Bae, who has been held in North Korea for over a year for unknown reasons.
But for Rodman, none of it is concerning and he defends his presence in the country saying it’s all about basketball, calling Kim Jong-Un a “friend.”
“I love my friend. This is my friend.” Dennis Rodman said of North Korea’s dictator, pointing out that Kim will turn only 31 on Wednesday, when the game is to take place.
Rodman also praised the former NBA players for coming to the country to play the game:
“It’s all about the game, people love to do one thing,” he said. “This is what we are trying to do.”
During the interview Dennis Rodman was asked whether he would take this opportunity to ask about the missing American, but said that Bae had done something wrong, suggesting it was his fault if he was being detained.
“I don’t give a rat’s a** what the hell you think (…) You are the guy behind the mic right now (…) we are the guys who have to go back to America and take the abuse.” Dennis Rodman snapped at the interviewer.
Charles D. Smith, one of the other former-pros participating in the game defended Rodman’s decision saying the visit has nothing to do with politics:
“We’ve been doing these games for three-and-a-half years. Outside of what you know of Dennis, you don’t know Dennis. He’s got a great heart, his passion is about children and families, that’s why we are here.
“We are here because it’s about doing great will around the world.”
Dennis Rodman paid his first controversial visit to North Korea in February of 2012 when he brought a team of Harlem Globetrotters. At the time he said Un “had a friend for life” in him.
