Dennis Rodman North Korea 2014: Star Brings Ex-NBA Players to North Korea as Gift to Kim Jong Un

Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman is now on his fourth trip to the pariah state of North Korea. According to a MSN report, Rodman is accompanied by other former NBA stars on this trip which he calls a "birthday present" to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The basketball stars, according to the Daily News, include Kenny Anderson, Vin Baker, Cliff Robinson and Charles Smith. The squad, with other basketball players, would play the North Korean national basketball team in an exhibition game. The proceeds of the game would be given to a charity for the deaf.

Rodman had said he has received protests and a number of death threats for what he calls "basketball diplomacy". He told reporters, "People say so many negative things about North Korea. And I want people to see it's not that bad."

In an interview with the Associated Press, Rodman added, "The marshal is actually trying to change this country in a great way. I think that people thought this was a joke, and Dennis Rodman is just doing this because of fame and fortune. Just to even have us here, it's an awesome feeling. I want these guys here to show the world and speak about North Korea in a great light. I hope people will have a different view about North Korea."

One of his critics is David Stern, the Commissioner of the NBA. In a statement, he said, in a report from CBS Sports, "The NBA is not involved with Mr. Rodman's North Korea trip and would not participate or support such a venture without the approval of the U.S. State Department. Although sports in many instances can be helpful in bridging cultural divides, this is not one of them."

Currently, the United States has no diplomatic relations with Pyongyang whether directly or indirectly.