Dennis Rodman Says He 'Influenced' Kenneth Bae's Release From North Korea

Former NBA athlete Dennis Rodman claims a recent letter he sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un facilitated the release of American missionary Kenneth Bae.

Rodman, a self-described friend of the North Korean dictator, told TMZ in a recent interview that he allegedly sent a letter to Kim Jong Un earlier this year imploring the leader to release Kenneth Bae, who was arrested in the Asian country in 2012 for allegedly trying to overthrow the government.

Earlier this November, North Korea agreed to release Bae, an evangelical Christian, and another American detainee named Matthew Miller. Although Rodman claims he helped the Americans' release, others are suggesting that the Obama administration successfully convinced the Asian country to release the detainees.

 "I understand the crimes (Bae) committed, and ask you my dear friend, the highly respected Marshall Kim Jong Un for his release to show my country how loving and compassionate you and the DPRK can be," Rodman claims he wrote in the letter.

"I ask for your mercy to prisoner Kenneth Bae and would be eternally grateful for his safe return and make a big step towards bridging the gap between our two nations," the alleged letter adds.

Rodman added to TMZ that he believes the "diplomatic" trips he embarked on to North Korea helped with the release of Bae.

"No doubt, our trips helped influence Kenneth Bae's release and I'm happy he is coming home safely," for former Chicago Bulls player said.

Arizona Senator John McCain has shot down Rodman's claims of diplomacy, telling TMZ Sports that he found the athlete's visit to North Korea to be "bizarre."

 "I'm not sure that Dennis Rodman is well trained to gather intelligence," McCain added.