Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today following basketball player Dennis Rodman’s comments to CNN regarding Lynnwood-resident Kenneth Bae, who has been held in North Korea for more than a year.

“Dennis Rodman should stick to basketball and not cast aspersions on a fellow American who is being held by a foreign nation,” Larsen said.

“Kenneth Bae and his family have gone through more than enough without having to listen to these hurtful statements from somebody who clearly does not know what he is talking about.

“I join the White House in renewing our call for North Korea to grant a pardon and special amnesty for Kenneth and to immediately release him so he can come home to his family. I pledge my continuing support to Kenneth’s family and will continue working with them and the State Department to ensure his safe return home.”