Former NBA player Dennis Rodman is reportedly planning to visit Russia to help imprisoned WNBA player Brittney Griner, NBC News reported.
"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."
However, the Biden Administration is recommending that Rodman not visit Russia, as efforts could hinder more than help.
Rodman has cultivated a relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the past decade, making multiple visits to the country. He called Russian President Vladimir Putin "cool" after a 2014 trip to Moscow and has taken credit for helping to secure the release of U.S. resident Kenneth Bae from North Korea.
Earlier this month, Griner was sentenced to nine months on drug-related charges. The United States has offered to swap Griner and another American, Paul Whelan, for imprisoned Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is currently imprisoned in Illinois.