Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Rodman was drinking when he made comments about Bae
Share This Post
Comments
Thursday, January 9, 2014 - 1:00pm

Programming note: For all the day’s sports news, tune in to SportsNet Central tonight and every night at 6, 10:30 p.m. and midnight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) Dennis Rodman apologized Thursday for comments he made in North Korea about a detained American missionary, saying he had been drinking and was under pressure as he organized a game with former NBA players.

The former basketball star issued the apology through publicist Jules Feiler in an email message to The Associated Press, a day after he sang "Happy Birthday" to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the start of the friendly game.

Rodman has been slammed for not using his influence with Kim to help free Kenneth Bae, the missionary in poor health who is being confined in North Korea for "anti-state" crimes. In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Rodman implied Bae was at fault.

[RELATED: Rodman sings happy birthday to N. Korea's Kim Jong Un]

"I want to apologize," Rodman said Thursday. "I take full responsibility for my actions. It had been a very stressful day. Some of my teammates were leaving because of pressure from their families and business associates. My dreams of basketball diplomacy was quickly falling apart. I had been drinking. It's not an excuse but by the time the interview happened I was upset. I was overwhelmed. It's not an excuse, it's just the truth."

Rodman said he wanted to apologize first to Bae's family. "I'm very sorry. At this point I should know better than to make political statements. I'm truly sorry."

In the interview, Rodman was asked whether he would raise the issue of Bae during his visit.

"Kenneth Bae did one thing," Rodman replied. "If you understand what Kenneth Bae did - do you understand what he did in this country?"

Asked to explain, Rodman declined to respond.

Bae, a Korean-American Christian missionary and tour operator based in China, has been detained for more than a year. North Korea sees missionary work as a threat to its authoritarian government.

Bae's sister, Terri Chung, said his family couldn't believe what Rodman had said.

[RELATED; Player going to North Korea says game dwarfed by politics]

"Here's somebody who is in a position to do some good for Kenneth and refuses to do so," Chung told KOMO Radio in Seattle on Wednesday. "And then after the fact, instead, he decides to hurl these unqualified accusations against Kenneth. It's clear he has no idea what he's talking about. I'm not sure who he's talking to, where he's getting his information, but he's certainly no authority on Kenneth Bae."

The U.S. State Department distanced itself from Rodman and said it did not want to "dignify" his activities or comments in Pyongyang by commenting on them. But spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the department was open to speaking with Rodman on his return.

"We have not reached out to him. We've said before, if he wants to reach out to us, we're happy to hear from him and what he has to say," she told reporters.

Rodman dedicated the game to his "best friend" Kim, who along with his wife and other senior officials and their wives watched from a special seating area. The capacity crowd of about 14,000 at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium clapped loudly as Rodman sang a verse from the birthday song and then bowed deeply to Kim, seated above him in the stands.

Rodman said he was honored to be able to play the game in the North Korean capital and called the event "historic." Some members of the U.S. Congress, the NBA and human rights groups, however, say he has become a public relations tool for North Korea's government.

The government's poor human rights record and its threats to use nuclear weapons against rival South Korea and the United States have kept it a pariah state. Kim shocked the world in December by having his uncle, once considered his mentor, executed after being accused of a litany of crimes including corruption, womanizing, drug abuse and attempting to seize power.

Rodman has refused to address those concerns while continuing to forge a relationship with Kim.

[RELATED: Rodman brings Ex-NBA players to North Korea]

Rodman is the highest-profile American to meet Kim, who inherited power after the death of his father in late 2011. Rodman has said he is not a statesman and instead is seeking only to build cultural connections with the North through basketball that may help improve relations between Pyongyang and Washington.

Along with Rodman, the former NBA players included ex-All Stars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker. Also on the roster were Craig Hodges, Doug Christie, Charles D. Smith and four streetballers.

Associated Press writer Doug Esser in Seattle, Washington, contributed to this report.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Hayes: 'I'm learning something new every day'
In the Crease: Sharks try to complete California-sweep of Bruins
Desjardins: 'It's good to chip in offensively'
McLellan: Speed, tempo key to beating Bruins

Giants

NL West: Rockies' Gonzalez has appendix removed
Strasburg signs one-year deal, avoids arbitration
Giants minor leaguer Guzman suspended for PEDs
Report: Dodgers to 'go all out' for Tanaka
Read More

Athletics

Alex Rodriguez receives 162-game suspension
Verlander has core muscle repair surgery
Hall: Up to BBWAA to propose changes to voting
Rangers LHP Holland has knee surgery after fall
Read More

Sharks

Bruins getting players back for game vs. Sharks
Sharks still remember first game with Boston
In the Crease: Bruins end California trip at Sharks
Boychuk flies home, will not face Sharks
Read More

49ers

Police: DeSean Jackson's Philadelphia home burglarized
Seahawks hold off Saints, advance to NFC Championship
Candlestick is closed: Seahawks host NFC title game
Harvin out after sustaining concussion vs. Saints
Read More

Raiders

Colts, Patriots battle for trip to AFC Championship
Evaluating the Raiders 2013 draft class
Lane Kiffin joins Alabama as offensive coordinator
Sparano signs two-year deal to remain with Raiders
Read More

Warriors

Report: Knicks interested in Miller
Rewind: Warriors' mental toughness on display against Boston
Instant Replay: Curry's jumper lifts Warriors over Celtics
Suns PG Bledsoe has surgery to repair meniscus
Read More

NCAA

Saint Mary's bounces back, beats USF 88-73
Pacific knocks off Santa Clara 80-68
Saint Mary's announces plans to upgrade McKeon Pavilion
Holmes helps USF pull away from Pacific in OT
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G.
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

NL West: Rockies' Gonzalez has appendix removed
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Strasburg signs one-year deal, avoids arbitration
Giants minor leaguer Guzman suspended for PEDs
(5)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

YSTL: Hall of Fame panel debates latest vote
YSTL: Hall of Fame panel debates latest vote
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Report: Dodgers to 'go all out' for Tanaka
Let the bidding begin: Masahiro Tanaka arrives in U.S.

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Alex Rodriguez receives 162-game suspension
(4)
Associated Press

More Stories

Hall: Up to BBWAA to propose changes to voting
Verlander has core muscle repair surgery
(1)
See more >

A's VIDEO

Korach named Sportscaster of the Year
Korach named Sportscaster of the Year
See more >

A's TALK

Rangers LHP Holland has knee surgery after fall
A's Korach named California Sportscaster of the Year
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

Bruins getting players back for game vs. Sharks
(2)
Kevin Kurz

More Stories

Sharks still remember first game with Boston
(1)
In the Crease: Bruins end California trip at Sharks
(2)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

Hayes: 'I'm learning something new every day'
Hayes: 'I'm learning something new every day'
See more >

Features

Boychuk flies home, will not face Sharks
Burish hoping to return before Olympic break

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Report: Knicks interested in Miller
(2)
ProBasketballTalk

More Stories

Rewind: Warriors' mental toughness on display against Boston
(2)
Instant Replay: Curry's jumper lifts Warriors over Celtics
(29)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Inside the Paint: Iguodala was the key down the stretch
Inside the Paint: Iguodala was the key down the stretch
See more >

Features

Suns PG Bledsoe has surgery to repair meniscus
Warriors recall Nedovic prior to Celtics game

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Rewind: Warriors' mental toughness on display against Boston
  • Instant Replay: Curry's jumper lifts Warriors over Celtics
  • Fast Forward: W's can't lose focus against reeling Celtics
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Cousins, Gay lead Kings to second straight win
(2)
Associated Press

More Stories

Kings eye rare home streak facing reeling Magic
(1)
The Dancing Maloof Brothers invest in binge drinking
(2)
See more >

Watch

Kings top Magic for elusive back-to-back wins
Kings top Magic for elusive back-to-back wins
See more >

Features

All-Star balloting: Cousins up one spot on West's frontcourt
Report: Kings offer Nuggets three deals for Andre MIller

Fantasy Hoops

  • The Daily Dose: Dose: Durant's Triple-double
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

Police: DeSean Jackson's Philadelphia home burglarized
Associated Press

More Stories

Seahawks hold off Saints, advance to NFC Championship
(1)
Candlestick is closed: Seahawks host NFC title game
(13)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

A Bay Area tattoo shop is doing 49ers tattoos for $49
A Bay Area tattoo shop is doing 49ers tattoos for $49
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Rewind: Kap's arm, legs propel 49ers past Packers
(13)
Matt Maiocco

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Colts, Patriots battle for trip to AFC Championship
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Lane Kiffin joins Alabama as offensive coordinator
(3)
Evaluating the Raiders 2013 draft class
(49)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

YSTL: Should the Raiders select a quarterback with their first pick?
YSTL: Should the Raiders select a quarterback with their first pick?
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Raiders Rewind: Overmatched vs. Broncos
(29)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Earthquakes sign French midfielder Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Wondolowski, Goodson join United States camp
(1)
Who got off easy in the World Cup draw?
See more >

Watch

Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Giants in agreement on minor league deal with Dontrelle Willis
(19)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Rewind: Warriors' mental toughness on display against Boston
(2)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Candlestick is closed: Seahawks host NFC title game
(13)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Evaluating the Raiders 2013 draft class
(49)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Bruins getting players back for game vs. Sharks
(2)
See more >

CASEY PRATT

RAY RATTO

The Dancing Maloof Brothers invest in binge drinking

TOP STORIES

  • Rewind: Warriors' mental toughness on display against Boston
  • Instant Replay: Curry's jumper lifts Warriors over Celtics
  • Suns PG Bledsoe has surgery to repair meniscus

AFF

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

FOLLOW @CSNAUTHENTIC

@CSNAuthentic on Twitter

Facebook.com/CSNBayArea

CSN on Instagram

ALL-STAR TEACHER

Nominate your favorite All-Star Teacher today!

NCAA

Holmes helps USF pull away from Pacific in OT
Late 3 lifts Santa Clara past Saint Mary's

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Preps
  • Biz Ball
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Hayes: 'I'm learning something new every day'
Hayes: 'I'm learning something new every day'
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Romo's Relief
  • Humm BB
  • Diamond Girls
  • Bullshootin'
  • Amy G.’s Exclusives
  • Learning with the Pros

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo! SportsTalk Live
  • CSN Talent

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Casey Pratt - Field of Teams
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California