Rep. Rick Larsen tells Dennis Rodman to butt out of politics

Everett-area Congressman Rick Larsen says Dennis Rodman should stick to basketball and keep his mouth shut when it comes to politics after his seemingly crazed interview with CNN in North Korea.

Rodman drew plenty of ire for his meltdown in which he criticized former Lynnwood native Kenneth Bae, who’s been imprisoned in North Korea since November 2012 after being convicted of “hostile acts” against the totalitarian communist country.

Rodman’s reaction came in response to questioning by interviewer Chris Cuomo, who asked if he planned to ask North Korean leaders about Bae.

“Kenneth Bae did one thing…If you understand what Kenneth Bae did. Do you understand what he did in this country,” Rodman sputtered. “No, no, no, you tell me, you tell me. Why is he held captive here in this country, why? …I would love to speak on this.”

Larsen, whose district includes Lynnwood where Bae’s family lives, issued a statement blasting the outspoken Rodman.

“Dennis Rodman should stick to basketball and not cast aspersions on a fellow American who is being held by a foreign nation. Kenneth Bae and his family have gone through more than enough without having to listen to these hurtful statements from somebody who clearly does not know what he is talking about.”

The Democrat said he was backing the White House in its renewed call for North Korea to pardon Bae and release him immediately.

“I pledge my continuing support to Kenneth’s family and will continue working with them and the State Department to ensure his safe return home,” Larsen said.

Rodman is leading a group of former NBA players playing an exhibition game against North Korea’s national team on Wednesday, the day believed to be the birthday of dictator Kim Jong-un.