Dennis Rodman Planning Trip To Russia To Help Brittney Griner

Dennis Rodman is set on seeking the release of WNBA player Brittney Griner even if that means booking a flight to Russia.

The former NBA star said Saturday (Aug. 20) that he plans on helping Griner, who is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence for having cannabis oil in her luggage back at the Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow in February.

"I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl," Rodman told NBC News at a restaurant in D.C. "I'm trying to go this week."

However, Rodnman's efforts might actually hurt Griner more if he actually decides to take a trip to Russia, a senior Biden administration official said. “It’s public information that the administration has made a significant offer to the Russians and anything other than negotiating further through the established channel is likely to complicate and hinder release efforts,” said the official, per the outlet.

The Phoenix Mercury star who pleaded guilty was sentenced earlier this month. When it was her turn to speak in court she took full responsibility for her actions. "I understand everything that has been said against me in the charges against me, but I had no intent to break Russian law,” she said, per The New York Times. “I want the court to understand that it was an honest mistake that I made while rushing and in stress trying to recover post-Covid and just trying to get back to my team.”

Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle T. Griner, is speaking out on the WNBA star's behalf after it was reported she had been detained in Russia for several weeks.

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life," Cherelle captioned a photo of the two smiling on the beach. "I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely. Thank you!"

Russian officials said Griner was detained after they found vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow per NBC.

The offense could land the basketball star 10 years in prison.

Griner has played over in Russia for the past seven years. The last time she played in a game was Jan. 29 for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg before the two-week hiatus in February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.

Griner's home team, The Phoenix Mercury, released a statement eager for the athlete's return back to the United States.

“We love and support Brittney and at this time our main concern is her safety, physical and mental health, and her safe return home,” the team said.

The USA Basketball league also expressed concern with Griner's return.

"Brittney has always handled herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns," the tweet said.

Per the outlet, the State Department has issued a “do not travel” advisory for U.S. citizens thinking of heading to Russia as the Ukraine/Russia conflict escalates.

Look at the outpouring of support for Brittney from fans: