>> reporter: dennis rodman was not with the group. some of the players felt rodman hijacked the trip. the players say they're focused on basketball, not politics. >> it was a great experience. >> reporter: everything comes on the heels of rodman's interview with chris cuomo. >> look at these guys here. look at them. >> reporter: that is setting a fire storm in motion. rodman confessed he'd been drinking and other well med. i take full responsibility for my actions. the bae family accepted rodman's apology thursday but under scored his relief. the fact is kenneth's life is on the line. to our family, this situation is no joke. this is not a game.