By Seth Rubinroit

And you thought playing in the Sports Arena was dangerous.

Former USC basketball player Jerry Dupree has landed in North Korea, where he is joining Dennis Rodman’s caravan to play in a basketball game on dictator’s Kim Jong Un’s 31st birthday.

Dupree, who is best known for playing in the preseason with the Los Angeles Lakers and for his athletic dunks on the And1 Streetball Tour, is the founder and CEO of B.O.O.K Clothing.

Former USC wing Jerry Dupree with Dennis Rodman in North Korea (CNN)

In Rodman’s recent bizarre interview with CNN, Dupree can be seen in the background, wearing a purple shirt:

Rodman has been heavily criticized for his rant on CNN, as well as his decision to organize the basketball game. In 3 Wire Sports, Alan Abrahamson writes, “This ought to be clear: Kim is using Rodman in a bid to deflect attention from the brutal reality of life in North Korea. Rodman, meanwhile, is using Kim to generate attention for the Dennis Rodman brand.”

Regardless of your politics, one fact is clear: next time Rodman should let the Trojan do the talking.

Stay tuned for an interview with Jerry when he returns from North Korea.

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