Rodman apologizes for not helping US missionary

Dennis Rodman AP FILE PHOTO

BEIJING – Former basketball star Dennis Rodman has apologized for not being able to help an American missionary detained in North Korea during his trip there to play in a game to celebrate the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un.

Rodman told media that he “couldn’t do anything” as he arrived at Beijing airport on Monday. He said it wasn’t his fault and just wanted “to do some good stuff.”

Rodman apologized last week for comments he made about Kenneth Bae, who has been detained for more than a year for “anti-state crimes.” He had implied that Bae was at fault in a CNN interview.

Rodman led a squad of retired NBA players to North Korea for an exhibition game marking Kim’s birthday.

Rodman and Kim have struck up a friendship.