Dennis Rodman Calls Kim Jong Un His 'Friend'

His crazy, violent, murdering friend

If there were frequent flyer miles for North Korea, former basketball star Dennis Rodman would be at the head of the line to sign up.

Rodman set off for Pyongyang on Monday, along with a group of former NBA players.

His mission? To lead a team including retired NBA All-Stars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker in an exhibition game against North Korea in honor of dear leader Kim Jong Un's birthday.

Rodman said he hoped the friendly competition would "open the doors" to "talk about certain things," but he isn't going to bring up the regime's human rights abuses.

"I am not going to sit there and go 'Hey guy, you are doing the wrong thing. That is not the right way to do it. He is my friend first… and I love him," Rodman told reporters at Beijing airport.