PYONGYANG, North Korea -- Former NBA star Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea on Thursday to meet leader Kim Jong Un and put the finishing touches on plans to bring 12 ex-NBA players to Pyongyang for a Jan. Arron Afflalo Jersey . 8 exhibition game marking the leaders birthday. Rodman said the game is on track despite the recent execution of Kims uncle in a dramatic political purge. Rodmans visit comes less than a week after North Korea announced the execution of Jang Song Thaek, an unprecedented fall from grace for one of the most powerful figures in the country. Jangs execution sparked speculation by foreign analysts over the future of the Kim regime. But officials in Pyongyang say Jangs removal has not caused any instability. Rodmans visit -- should it proceed uneventfully -- could be a sign that Kim is firmly in charge. Rodman told The Associated Press in a brief interview at his Pyongyang hotel that he was undaunted by the recent political events. "I cant control what they do with their government, I cant control what they say or how they do things here," he said. "Im just trying to come here as a sports figure and try to hope I can open the door for a lot of people in the country." Rodman and Kim have struck up an unlikely friendship since the Hall of Famer travelled to the secretive state for the first time in February with the Harlem Globetrotters for an HBO series produced by New York-based VICE television. He remains the highest-profile American to meet Kim since the leader inherited power from his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011. "Ive come over to see my friend, and people always give me a little hard time about me saying that," said Rodman, who was given the red carpet treatment at the airport by Vice Sports Minister Son Kwang Ho and O Hun Ryong, secretary-general of the North Korean Basketball Association. "Im very proud to say hes my friend, because he hasnt done anything to put a damper, to say any negative things about my country." Rodman has not yet announced the roster for the game. He is also expected to train North Korean basketball players during his several-day stay in Pyongyang and to meet with Kim, though he did not give any details about what his plans are. He said, however, that if after the 12 former NBA players go home they say "some really, really nice things, some really cool things about this country," then he has done his job. Known as much for his piercings, tattoos and bad behaviour as he was for basketball, Rodman has mostly avoided politics in his dealings with the North. Hes mainly focused on using basketball as a means of boosting understanding and communication and studiously avoided commenting on the Norths human rights record or its continued detainment of an American, Kenneth Bae, for allegedly committing anti-state crimes. "North Korea has given me the opportunity to bring these players and their families over here, so people can actually see, so these players can actually see, that this country is actually not as bad as people project it to be in the media," he said. Anthony Carter Jersey . The veteran fighter will be squaring off with Henderson in a five-round lightweight bout as part of another network televised card at the United Center on Saturday night. Jarred Vanderbilt Jersey . A spokeswoman for the NLRB says its "a very incremental move" and does not necessarily indicate the board is close to a finding in the case. NFL owners filed an unfair labour charge against the players union in February, arguing that the union was not negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement in good faith. https://www.cheapnuggets.com/227y-dan-issel-jersey-nuggets.html . -- Max Domi scored twice and set up two more as the London Knights toppled the visiting Kingston Frontenacs 6-4 on Sunday in Ontario Hockey League action.Heurelho Gomes does not believe language will be a barrier for new Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri as he looks to make an impact this season. The Italian was appointed in May - taking up the position on July 1 - as a replacement for Quique Sanchez Flores, who left at the end of last term then consequently took up the managers position at Espanyol. Sky Sports Fantasy Football Pick your team here, create a league and let the mind games begin! Flores was a relative success in his year at Vicarage Road, leading Watford to Premier League safety and the FA Cup semi-finals before they were eliminated by Crystal Palace. Like the Spaniard when he first arrived, Mazzarris English is limited after a coaching career which has seen him work at seven clubs all in Italy.Nevertheless, he has made a positive impression on goalkeeper Gomes, who is happy to be working under the former Inter, Napoli and Sampdoria boss. Mazzarri has signed a three-year deal at Vicrage Road after coaching at seven Italian clubs The former Tottenham playerr - who signed a new deal with the club recently - told Sky Sports News HQ: In football, I believe we can understand everything when we talk on the pitch. P. J. Dozier Jersey. That has been no problem and the players understand very well what he wants to do. For the first few days, he said we understood more here than the players when he was in Italy.I believe that is quite good. When the players want to [understand him], the language is not a problem.I believe we need this level, a manager like him - a manager that controls the situation around the place. Quique Sanchez Flores left Watford at the end of last season and is now in charge of Espanyol He was very clear with the players that he wants to control everything and I believe we can do a very good job with him.He knows football, he knows about football and he is a very experienced manager. I believe we can achieve great things with him.If we follow what he wants to, I believe the players are very clear about that. We can do a very good job over here. Also See: Watford name backroom team Who is Walter Mazzarri? Gomes signs new Watford deal What do Watford need? ' ' '