Dennis Rodman is very sorry… for being a total nut job.
The former rebounding champion FLIPPED OUT during an interview with CNN this week, ranting like a manic when asked about his trip to North Korea and his presence at Kim Jong Un’s 31st birthday party yesterday.
Now, through his publicist and via an email to The Associated Press, Rodman says:
“I want to apologize. 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.”
Rodman has been specifically slammed for not using his friendship with the North Korean dictator to help free Kenneth Bae, the ailing missionary who was convicted of "anti state" crimes last year.
Bae’s family has blasted Rodman for his (in)actions and his incendiary comments.
“I’m very sorry. At this point I should know better than to make political statements. I’m truly sorry," Rodman added, addressing that family directly.
The U.S. State Department has distanced itself from Rodman, saying it does not want to “dignify” his activities or comments in Pyongyang by even acknowleding them.
However, spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the department was open to speaking with Rodman on his return.
“We have not reached out to him. We’ve said before, if he wants to reach out to us, we’re happy to hear from him and what he has to say,” she told reporters.
Rodman sang "Happy Birthday" to Un yesterday prior to playing in an exhibition game.