- Former NBA player Dennis Rodman North Korea visits remain a big topic in political and sports circles
- He is among few Americans to ever set foot on North Korean soil
- Rodman is arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history
Former NBA player Dennis Rodman North Korea visits remain a big topic in political and sports circles. He is among few Americans to ever set foot on North Korean soil. Rodman is arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history.
His defensive and rebounding skills while playing for Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks remain a record. This earned him the moniker ‘The Worm’ signifying how he built a basketball legacy from a small forward. Beyond his NBA exploits, Rodman is a special character with ties to Pyongyang.
DENNIS RODMAN NORTH KOREA VISITS
The celebrated NBA icon visited North Korea severally on invitation by Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un. Rodman enjoys a cordial relationship with Kim Jong Un who is a 21st century oppressive leader.
Fueled by sponsors like Vice Media, online gambling, and even a marijuana crypto company, Dennis Rodman North Korea trips have garnered global headlines. The flamboyant ex-NBA star had his first Pyongyang visit in 2013 courtesy of Vice Media.
Dennis Rodman with Kim Jong Un. Photo/The Daily Beast
They filmed his visit to watch an exhibition game featuring Harlem Globetrotters, dubbing it “basketball diplomacy.” Kim is a big fan of American basketball having travelled there as a teenager while he lived in Switzerland.
He never hid his support for Chicago Bulls where Rodman ruled in the 90. Following the trip, Rodman declared Kim his “friend for life” in interviews, urging then-President Barrack Obama to phone the dictator.
WHY IS KIM JONG UN FRIENDS WITH DENNIS RODMAN?
The North Korean dictator, Kim Jong Un, profoundly relates with Rodman because of his love for basketball. Rodman was an absolute beast on the boards, winning a record-setting seven straight rebounding titles during his Bulls years. This secured extra possessions for the Bulls and frustrated opponents. His hustle and focus made him a top-notch defender. He could guard multiple positions, disrupting plays and shutting down key scorers.
While Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen dominated offensively, Rodman handled the “dirty work.” He let them shine by focusing on rebounding and defence, creating a well-rounded and unstoppable team. He did this through his intense focus and competitive spirit which he injected into the team.
Rodman in 2013 pleaded with Jong Un to release Kenneth Bae, a Korean-American missionary detained in 2012. He had been convicted to15 years of hard labour. And months after the plea, Rodman downplayed diplomacy talks between the US and North Korea. He spoke of training North Korean players and starting a league in Pyongyang. Eventually, Bae was set free and he partly thanked Rodman for this gesture saying that he made the world media focus on his case more than before.
Dennis Rodman with Kim Jong Un. Photo/Time
In 2014, Rodman notably led the audience cheering “Happy Birthday” to Kim, who was present during a game between North Korean players and several retired NBA players. At that point, he even seemed to bow before Kim. Dennis Rodman North Korea visit also came after former US President Donald Trump’s inauguration. He gifted Kim Il Guk the North Korean minister of sports a book titled “The Art of the Deal.”
WHAT DID DENNIS RODMAN CALL KIM JONG UN?
Rodman regards Kim Jong Un as a special friend no one should lose. His association with the North Korean leader have earned him criticism especially when he seemed to be supporting him [Kim Jong Un] on his violations of human rights. While promoting his ESPN documentary “Rodman: For Better or Worse,” Rodman defended Jong Un from the public. He defended the Supreme Leader saying that he is a good person but is portrayed differently by the media.
“If you sit down and talk to him with lunch and then shoot the s— with him, I think you’ll say, ‘Well, this guy’s cool and pretty nice,” he told Business Insider during an Interview.
Trump forbid Rodman from returning to North Korea, despite the fact that he received a lot of invitations.
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