As WNBA star Brittney Grinner continues to be detained in Russia, the U.S. government is working on trying and bringing her home.
While talks are ongoing, former Bulls superstar Dennis Rodman volunteered himself to go to Russia personally and negotiate her release.
Talking to NBC News on Saturday, Rodman revealed that he’s ready to go to the country to find a solution to Griner’s problems.
“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.”
For some reason, Rodman has certain ties to Russia that might make him especially well-suited to free Griner from her predicament. After going to the country in 2014 and praising President Vladimir Putin, his connections to the area run far and deep.
But is going out there really the best thing to do in this situation? According to one anonymous White House official, the answer is no. In a chat with Reuters, the senior official explained why sending Rodman to Russia could be the wrong move.
The White House has a dim view of former American pro basketball player Dennis Rodman’s reported plan to travel to Russia and gain the release of American basketball star Brittney Griner, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.
A senior administration official, who asked to remain anonymous, made clear the White House does not approve.
“It is public information that the administration has made a significant offer to the Russians and anything other than negotiating further through the established channel is likely to complicate and hinder release efforts,” the official said.
The official also noted the State Department has issued a travel advisory warning Americans not to travel to Russia.
Rodman might mean well, but adding another variable in all of this might do more harm than good at this point. With tensions between Russia and the U.S. at an all-time high, it’s best for Americans to avoid the county altogether.
As for Griner, the best chance for her release continues to be through official channels. And as the USA continues to work on bringing Griner home, they are urging Rodman (and any others) to stay out of the way.
