Dennis Rodman's 'Dream Team' for North Korean exhibition game
theGRIO REPORT - Former NBA star Dennis Rodman put together his version of the Dream Team to accompany him on yet another trip to North Korea.
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman has put together his version of the Dream Team to accompany him on yet another trip to North Korea.
The Hall of Famer assembled the team of former NBA players to participate in an exhibition game on Wednesday against a team of North Koreans. The controversial game is believed to be in honor of the country’s communist leader, Kim Jong Un’s birthday.
In the past, Rodman has referred to the North Korean leader as a “friend” and described him as a “nice guy.”
Former players Vin Baker, Sleepy Floyd, Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson, Doug Christie and Charles D. Smith have opted to join the former Chicago Bull on the trip.
Most in the group have struggled with financial issues despite making millions in the League.
While expenses for the trip are covered, it is unclear if the players are receiving money for their exhibition appearance.
Rodman and his Dream Team appeared on CNN Tuesday morning via satellite from Pyongyang, North Korea. He called the exhibition trip a “great idea for the world.”
“I love my friend. This is my friend,” said Rodman, referring to Kim.
Rodman’s comments on the dictator are especially troubling to some Americans. Within the last year Kim Jong Un has threatened to attack U.S. military bases in the Pacific and he allegedly executed his own uncle by setting 120 ravenous dogs loose to attack him.
CNN host Chris Cuomo questioned Rodman’s friendly relationship with Kim Jong Un and asked if he would use his trip abroad to speak on the topic of Kenneth Bae, an American missionary who is currently being held in North Korea, which incensed the former NBA star.
“If you understand what Kenneth Bae did, Do you understand what he did in this country?” Rodman questioned.
“What did he do,” Cuomo responded. “You tell me. What did he do?”
“No, no, no, you tell me, you tell me,” Rodman said. “Why is he held captive here in this country, why?”
He then went off topic, talking about the players with him and then told Cuomo, “I don’t give a rat’s a** what you think.”
“We’ve said numerous times that we’re not here for any political aspects,” Charles Smith said, attempting to ease the tension. “We’re not here to talk politics. So outside of that, any questions that come back through that is baiting to get us into politics.”
Watch the full clip below:
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