WNBA star Brittney Griner‘s imprisonment in Russia has taken some twists lately. That’s included Russian comments on “quiet diplomacy,” plus former U.S. ambassador Bill Richardson (who went to Russia in July to help broker prisoner swap talks reportedly involving Griner and long-detained former American marine Paul Whelan for Russian native Viktor Bout) saying he was “optimistic” a deal will be reached. Now, things may get stranger still thanks to former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who told NBC News he’s going to Russia to try and help Griner:
Former NBA player Dennis Rodman says he plans to visit Russia to seek the release of Brittney Griner.
"I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl," Rodman told @NBCNews at a restaurant in D.C. "I'm trying to go this week."https://t.co/jKKNNM16Eh
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 21, 2022
Here’s more from that NBC piece, by Jonathan Allen:
Former NBA player Dennis Rodman said Saturday that he plans to visit Russia to seek the release of Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who was sentenced to nine years in prison on drug charges earlier this month.
“I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl,” Rodman told NBC News at a restaurant in D.C. “I’m trying to go this week.”
…Rodman does not need special permission from the U.S. to enter Russia — just a visa from Moscow — but the State Department has issued a travel advisory that strongly discourages American citizens from visiting the country.
…Rodman expressed confidence in his understanding of Russia’s president.
“I know Putin too well,” he said.
As that piece notes, Rodman (seen above being honored at halftime of February’s NBA All-Star Game) has previously made visits to countries and leaders not in good standing with the U.S., particularly visiting North Korea’s Kim Jong Un several times over the last decade. He also visited Moscow in 2014, and called president Vladimir Putin “cool” after that trip. It’s unclear what “permission” he received here, and from who. But his involvement certainly adds some new dimensions to the Griner discussion.
[NBC News; photo from David Richard/USA Today Sports]
