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NBA legend Dennis Rodman revealed over the weekend plans to go to Russia to support the release of WNBA superstar Britney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of drug charges. When I did, it became a hot topic.
Rodman told NBC News over the weekend that he “got permission” to travel to Russia to “help that girl.” He did not elaborate on who gave him permission to travel to Russia.
On Monday, State Department spokesman Ned Price was asked about Rodman’s travel plans.
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“Well, we’ve seen through the media, and really only through the media, that Dennis Rodman has stated that he intends to travel to Russia… the US government,” Price said.
“We repeat what we just said over the past few weeks. We have submitted to Russia a substantive proposal for the freedom of Paul Whelan and Britney Griner. We also believe it is highly likely that Americans should not travel to Russia because of many threats, including the threat of unjust detention. It has provided clear guidance to the American public – a message to the American people in the entirety of the private sector.”
The State Department has a Level 4 travel advisory warning Americans about traveling to Russia.
Britney Greiner appeals 9-year sentence in Russian drug case: report
“Do not travel to Russia for specified reasons, including the gratuitous and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, the potential for harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, and the detention of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials. Arbitrary enforcement of local laws, restrictions on flights to and from Russia, limitations on the ability of embassies to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19-related restrictions, and terrorism,” the warning said. “U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Russia must leave Russia immediately.
Mr. Price said last week that authorities were still classifying Mr. Griner as “wrongfully detained.” He was asked about a possible prisoner exchange between Griner and Russia. This could include convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout and another American detained in Russia, Paul Whelan.
“None of the elements of this trial changed our determination that Britney Griner was wrongfully detained and should be released immediately,” Price said. I proposed what I consider to be serious and substantive proposals and efforts to seek her release and to seek the release of Paul Whelan.
Russia confirms prisoner exchange talks with US following Britney Greiner sentencing
“We are in communication with Russia on this issue and encourage it to pursue it constructively.”
Griner’s lawyers in Russia have appealed her conviction. She was found guilty and she was sentenced on August 4th.
Rodman has a history of interacting with world leaders.
Rodman met North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un in 2013 and was one of the first Americans to meet him. The former Chicago Bulls star sent a letter to Kim in January 2014 saying that American Kenneth Beh, who had been captured, was released about 10 months later. To TMZ Sports. Rodman has appeared in the country several times since Bae’s release.
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In 2014, Rodman described Putin as “cool” in a FOX Business interview. He said Putin shook hands and left during an exchange with him on a trip to Russia.