Dennis Rodman Says He's Going to Russia to Help Secure Brittney Griner's Release From Jail

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Just weeks after WNBA player Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison on drug charges, former NBA star Dennis Rodman is vowing to help her get out.

               roman/Brittney griner

Former NBA player Dennis Rodman announced his plans to visit Russia as he vowed to seek the prison release of WNBA star Brittney Griner

"I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl," he told NBC News at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 20. "I'm trying to go this week." 

Earlier this month, Griner was sentenced to nine years in a prison on drug charges stemming from her February arrest at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport. A Russian court found the athlete guilty of drug possession and smuggling, in addition to finding her guilty of committing the crime deliberately. Her lawyer has since filed an appeal.

Meanwhile, Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, recently told the Associated Press he was hopeful about the chances for a prisoner swap with Russia that would bring Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, home to the U.S.

If Rodman, 67, goes to Russia, it won't be the first time the former Chicago Bulls star has inserted himself into international affairs. Over the last decade, the Celebrity Mole alum has raised eyebrows for his friendly relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and has made multiple visits to his country."I know Putin too well," he added.

Rodman is no stranger to informal international relations. Allen explained Rodman has a relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and was even "on the sidelines of former President Donald Trump's meeting with Kim in Singapore" in 2018.

As for Griner—whom the United States State Department has classified "wrongfully detained"—ESPN noted her lawyers filed an appeal of her sentencing Monday.

Her lawyers had written statements revealing she was prescribed cannabis to treat pain, and Griner said the canisters containing the cannabis oil were in her luggage by mistake.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously said the United States made a "substantial proposal" to Russia in an effort to return Griner and Paul Whelan, who is another American being held in Russia, back to their home country.

Rodman last appeared in the NBA during the 1999-2000 campaign and played 14 seasons for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas

The Hall of Fame basketball player said he believes his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin will assist in the efforts to help Griner.

"I know Putin too well," he added