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Rodman has paid several visits to Kim in the
isolated state but the two rarely discuss politics, the retired
National Basketball Association star told British TV show "Good
Morning Britain."
North Korea has carried out a series of nuclear and missile
tests and U.S. President Donald Trump has responded with
warnings of a "massive" military response.
"For me to go over there and see (Kim) as much as I have, I
basically hang out with him all the time. We laugh, we sing
karaoke, we do a lot of cool things together. We ride horses, we
hang out, we go skiing, we hardly ever talk politics and that's
the good thing," Rodman said, according to a transcript.
The basketball ace expressed admiration for Trump but said the
U.S. president could be "a little bit crazy sometimes".
Rodman last visited North Korea in June and earlier trips stoked
talk that he could facilitate a breakthrough between Pyongyang
and Washington, although his comments on Kim have also drawn
ridicule.
North Korea has long ignored warnings from the West and from its
lone major ally, China, to halt its nuclear and missile tests
which it conducts in defiance of U.N. Security Council
resolutions.
Rodman said he was not trying to defend the actions of Kim and
was "just an ambassador for sports." He said the relationship
between the U.S. and Russia had changed "but for some reason we
have a big issue with North Korea."
"I don't love (Kim). I just want to try to straighten things out
for everyone to get along together."
Rodman, nicknamed "The Worm" during his playing career and known
for his flamboyant character, is considered one of the best
defensive players and rebounders in NBA history. (Reporting by
Elisabeth O'Leary; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
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