Dennis Rodman: "I had been drinking"

[Auggie]

1-9-14 / A.P.

PYONGYANG, North Korea -- 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 an exhibition game featuring former NBA players.

The basketball Hall of Famer issued the apology through publicist Jules Feiler in an email to The Associated Press, a day after he sang "Happy Birthday" to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the start of Wednesday's game.

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

"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 dream 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."

Full story and video at the link: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10267308/dennis-rodman-apologizes-comments-jailed-american

I'm at a loss for words … with the exception Rodman is now among the top of list of all-time sports douchebags.

[Goblinmonger]

1. At least he's honest

A lot of celebs would try to come at this with a "you don't understand" attitude and, though he's kind of a tool, at least he's like "Hey, I was drunk. Sorry."

[joeybee12]

2. Rodman drinking? About as shocking as finding out the sun rises in the east...nt

[Auggie]

3. It's not the drinking ...

it's the entire event.