HALIFAX – The head coach of the Halifax Rainmen is on his way back home.
Craig Hodges was slated to participate in a exhibition basketball game, organized by former basketballer Dennis Rodman, in Pyongyang, North Korea Wednesday but apparently did not make it to the country.
Assistant coach Don Sellers tells Global News he does not know the exact reason why Hodges is coming back but said the coach was turned away and it could be due to visa issues.
“If your papers are not in order, nowadays they are not taking chances,” Sellers said, adding he has not been in communication with Hodges since the coach left Halifax.
Hodges and other former NBA all-stars were supposed to play the game to honour North Korea leader Kim Jung Un but Hodges was not with the players when they landed Monday.
The trip has garnered criticism and controversy; North Korea has a poor human rights record and Kim Jung Un recently executed his uncle.
However, Sellers does think not the visit is controversial.
“I really don’t understand. I do think about world relations. There’s a song, Why can’t we be friends?,” he said.
“In other countries, that’s another country’s business, their rights, whatever. Yes tough things happen over there. At some point in time, it’s a cliche, can’t we all get along at some time? Maybe this was an attempt to try and do that.”
Hodges was scheduled to arrive in Halifax Tuesday afternoon but his plane was cancelled due to inclement weather.
“I know Craig was excited to go, play basketball and have some camaraderie with Dennis and some guys,” Sellers said.
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