When President John F. Kennedy famously said “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country,” we doubt he wished for celebrities to become DIY hostage negotiators with hostile foreign nations.
Former NBA player Dennis Rodman, however, considers himself up to the task, and told NBC News Sunday that he plans to go to Russia to help imprisoned WNBA player Brittney Griner.
“I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl,” Rodman said to NBC. “I’m trying to go this week.”
That’s interesting, considering the State Department has a travel advisory discouraging Americans from visiting that country. In fact, State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated that Rodman would not be traveling on behalf of the U.S. government if he did go to Russia.
Griner, aka “that girl,” was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison earlier this month, after she was found guilty of possession and smuggling of cannabis oil. Her family, the WNBA, sports stars and celebrities have called for her release, and for the Biden Administration to roll up its collective sleeves and bring the 31-year-old center for the Phoenix Mercury home.
It’s not a simple task – Griner is a high-profile American held by Russia, a country the U.S. has heavily sanctioned over its invasion and war with Ukraine. Tensions are high, and negotiating for Griner’s release takes diplomatic savvy.
And then there’s Dennis Rodman, who claims he can help because “I know Putin too well,” he told NBC of his relationship with Russia’s president.
To be fair, Rodman has experience chummying up to dictators. He’s gone to North Korea many times, including for leader Kim Jong Un’s birthday. In an interview with CNN, Rodman referenced Kim and said, “I love my friend. This is my friend.”
Rodman has met Putin, back in 2014. Rodman told Fox Business Network: “You know, he’s actually cool. I’m not going to say — I’m not talking about politics. I ain’t about politics … this was my first time meeting him. He just walked in, shook my hand and left with all his people. I just stayed there and had a good time at his restaurant.”
As Politico reported, the Biden administration has a proposal on the table to facilitate Griner’s release, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken — reportedly a high-stakes prisoner swap involving convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
They’re on it. Things may not be moving as quickly as Griner’s loved ones would like, but there is wheeling and dealing behind the scenes on her behalf.
Rodman’s intentions are good, but if he does make the trip, he could make matters worse.
According to The Hill, the Biden administration is discouraging Rodman from making the trip, saying such a visit would only complicate existing efforts to secure Griner’s release from a Russian prison.
“We put forward a substantial proposal to Russia to seek the freedom of Paul Whelan or Brittney Griner,” Price told reporters at a briefing Monday afternoon.
“We believe that anything other than negotiating further through the established channel is likely to complicate and hinder those release efforts,” he added.
Hopefully Rodman will heed that advice. There’s too much at stake for grand celebrity gestures.
Rodman should bench his travel plans.
Read More: State Dept. doesn’t need an assist from Dennis Rodman