Dennis Rodman Will Try to Free Brittney Griner Personally in Russia

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman has said he is planning on traveling to Russia "this week" in an attempt to free Brittney Griner from jail.

Rodman told NBC News that he has received permission to go to Russia as he aims to "help that girl." He stated his intention to go within the next seven days.

Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison earlier in August after being found guilty of drug smuggling with criminal intent by a Russian court. She was initially detained in Russia in February after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her possession. She has filed an appeal.

Speaking from a restaurant in Washington D.C., Rodman, who in the past notably traveled to North Korea, said: "I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl." He added: "I'm trying to go this week."

A senior Biden administration official told NBC News that Rodman's actions are more likely to hurt Griner's cause than help her. "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," the official said.

Former NBA star Rodman has made headlines with informal diplomatic activities in the past. Between 2013 and 2017, Rodman made several visits to North Korea where he seemingly befriended leader Kim Jong Un.

In 2013 Rodman publicly called on his friend "Kim" to release the American prisoner Kenneth Bae. Bae had been sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in North Korea for "hostile acts against the republic." He was released in November 2014. Bae later thanked Rodman and told CNN that he was a "catalyst" for his early release.

"I know Putin too well," 61-year-old Rodman said, according to NBC News. Rodman called President Vladimir Putin "cool" after a trip to Russia in 2014.

American citizens have been advised by the State Department not to travel to Russia right now.

Rodman became a trending topic across social media after his plan to travel to the country was announced. "Um...does anyone have a better plan?" asked Twitter user @Peter_Grinspoon.

"If Dennis Rodman pulls this off... make him the ambassador of world peace," @larrytufaro wrote. Many other social media users pointed to Rodman's past experience with world leaders, namely Kim Jong Un, as evidence of why he should be sent to negotiate on Griner's behalf.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in July that the U.S. had made a "proposal" to seek the release of Griner and fellow American Paul Whelan, who is serving a 16-year sentence in Russia for espionage. Multiple reports have said that an exchange could involve Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is serving a 25-year sentence in the U.S.

Rodman was a prominent NBA player during his playing career when he was known for his actions both on and off the court. The five-time NBA champion was a part of the legendary Chicago Bulls team in the 90s alongside Michael Jordan. During that same decade he dated Madonna, married Carmen Electra and claimed to be marrying himself when he wore a wedding dress to his book launch. Much of his behavior was documented in the popular Netflix documentary The Last Dance.

The WNBA announced in May that Griner would continue to receive her salary while detained in Russia.

Newsweek has reached out to Rodman's representatives, the Russian Foreign Office and the U.S. State Department for further comment.