Dennis Rodman Planning Trip to Russia to Seek Brittney Griner Release: 'I Know Putin Too Well'

Mar. 15, 2025

Dennis Rodmanis stepping in to help bringBrittney Grinerhome.

The five-time NBA champion, 61, revealed plans to travel to Russia and seek the release Griner, 31, according toNBC News, after theWNBAplayer and two-time Olympic gold medalist wassentenced to nine years in prisonon accused drug possession charges.

“I know Putin too well,” Rodman added.

Although the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russia since theirinvasion of Ukrainein February, as well as issuing atravel advisory, Rodman does not need permission from the U.S. to travel to the country, only a Russian visa.

Rodong Sinmun/Korea News Service/AP

North Korea Rodman

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Rodman has become somewhat of an unofficial diplomat over the years, forming friendships with international leaders who have strained relationships with the U.S.

For more on Dennis Rodman, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

The Chicago Bulls alum has referred to North Korean dictatorKim Jong-unas a friend and “very good guy,” evenhelping secure the releaseof American prisoner Kenneth Bae in 2014. He also met with Kim and former U.S. PresidentDonald Trumpduring a 2018visit to Singapore.

NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty

US basketball player Brittney Griner (R) is escorted by police before a hearing during her trial on charges of drug smuggling, in Khimki, outside Moscow on August 2, 2022. - Griner was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022 just days before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine. She was charged with drug smuggling for possessing vape cartridges with cannabis oil. Speaking at the trial on July 27, Griner said she still did not know how the cartridges ended up in her bag. (Photo by Natalia

Rodman met with Russian PresidentVladimir Putinin 2014, remarking that the leader is a “cool guy,” but their visit was strictly about sports.

“They don’t know about American basketball, American football. I went over there to represent America as far as basketball is concerned,” Rodman told Fox Business, adding, “I’m not a politician, I’m just a basketball ambassador. That’s it.”

Michael Tullberg/Getty; NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 09: Former NBA great Dennis Rodman attends the 19th annual Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 09, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images); US basketball player Brittney Griner (C) is escorted by police before a hearing during her trial on charges of drug smuggling, in Khimki, outside Moscow on August 2, 2022. - Griner was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022 just days before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine. She was charged with drug smuggling for possessing vape cartridges with cannabis oil. Speaking at the trial on July 27, Griner said she still did not know how the cartridges ended up in her bag. (Photo by Natalia KOLESNIKOVA / AFP) (Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)

RELATED VIDEO: Brittney Griner Sentenced to 9 Years in Russian Prison on Drug Possession Charges

Griner’s imprisonment has sparked anational outcry for her release, as PresidentJoe Bidenhas evenentered negotiations to potentially exchange the releaseof Griner and another American prisoner for a Russian prisoner in the U.S. Meanwhile, her attorneys areplanning to appeal the verdict.

source: people.com

Other Posts

Powered by Hugo