'Apologetic' Rodman says drinking, stress led to 'bizarre' TV outburst

Controversial NBA legend Dennis Rodman has reportedly apologised for his 'bizarre' rant in a TV appearance in which he implied that an American imprisoned in North Korea may deserve his punishment, and gave the excuses of drinking and stress behind his behaviour.

A day after the former basketball star sang 'Happy Birthday' to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and led a squad of former NBA players in a friendly game, Rodman issued his apology following his interview where he implied that Kenneth Bae who is being held in North Korea may have deserved to be in jail.

According to News.com.au, Rodman apologised to Bae's family, his teammates and his management team for his outburst and said that he takes full responsibility for his actions, adding that he had a stressful day as some of his teammates were leaving the match in the country because of pressure from their families.

Stating that his dreams of 'basketball diplomacy' were quickly falling apart, Rodman also said that he had been drinking, adding that by the time the interview happened, he was upset and overwhelmed, and it all came out in the outburst.

Rodman said that he had embarrassed a lot of people with his outburst, adding that he should know better than to make political statements.

The US State Department said it did not want to 'dignify' Rodman's activities or comments in Pyongyang by commenting on them.