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Rodman sings 'Happy Birthday' to North Korean leader at Pyongyang game with ex-NBA squad

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    Dennis Rodman arrives at his hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea after a morning practice session on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. Rodman came to the North Korean capital with a team of USA basketball stars for an exhibition game on Jan. 8, the birthday of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder) (The Associated Press)

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    Dennis Rodman waits for the elevator as he arrives at his hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea after a morning practice session on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. Rodman came to the North Korean capital with a team of USA basketball stars for an exhibition game on Jan. 8, the birthday of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder) (The Associated Press)

PYONGYANG, North Korea – Dennis Rodman has sung "Happy Birthday" to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before leading a squad of former NBA stars onto the court at a Pyongyang stadium for a game Rodman said is part of his "basketball diplomacy" with the North that has been heavily criticized in the United States.

Rodman dedicated the game Wednesday to his "best friend" Kim, who along with his wife and other senior officials and their wives watched from a special seating area.

The capacity crowd of about 14,000 clapped loudly as Rodman sang a verse from the birthday song.

Along with Rodman, the former NBA players included ex-All Stars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker. Also on the roster were Craig Hodges, Doug Christie, Charles D. Smith and four streetballers.