Dennis Rodman says he received permission to go to Russia to advocate for Brittney Griner's release from jail

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NBA legend Dennis Rodman said Saturday he "got permission" to go to Russia to seek the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in prison on drug charges.

The basketball Hall of Famer, who was at a sneaker convention in Washington, D.C., over the weekend, told NBC News he was looking to head over to Moscow at some point this week.

"I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl. I'm trying to go this week," he told the outlet, adding he knew Russian President Vladimir Putin "too well."

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Brittney Griner is escorted from a courtroom after a hearing in Khimki, outside Moscow, Russia, on Aug. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Sunday the agency was aware of reports of Rodman's intended travel to Russia. The spokesperson also pointed to their Level 4 travel advisory when it came to Americans traveling to Russia. 

"Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19-related restrictions, and terrorism," the warning reads. "U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart Russia immediately. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions."

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