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Dennis Rodman has apologized for implying that a Washington man imprisoned in North
Korea may deserve to be jailed in an explosive interview during his visit to the country
to celebrate the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un.
A day after the former basketball star sang "Happy Birthday" to Kim and led a squad of
former NBA players in a friendly game, Rodman issued the apology through publicist Jules
Feiler in an email message to The Associated Press.
"I want to apologize," Rodman said. "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.
"I want to first apologize to Kenneth Bae's family. I want to apologize to my teammates
and my management team. I also want to apologize to Chris Cuomo. I embarrassed a lot of people.
I'm very sorry. At this point I should know better than to make political statements.
I'm truly sorry."