Dennis Rodman says he helped in the release of the American prisoner, Kenneth Bae, in North Korea

Dennis Rodman claims that he helped get American, Kenneth Bae, released from imprisonment in North Korea, and claims he has the proof, too!

CNN reports that two Americans, Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller, who have been detained in North Korea, are now on their way back to the U.S. after being released.

Apparently, President Obama wrote a letter requesting that the two Americans be sent back to the U.S. It was delivered by the Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, who traveled to Pyongyang. He never met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The North Korean government released a statement saying they decided to release the two men after receiving an "earnest apology" from the President for the men's actions. As previously reported, Bae was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for allegedly committing "hostile acts to bring down [the North Korean] government."

CNN previously reported that Miller was sentenced to 6 years of hard labor and charged with "hostile acts" as well.

Although it's being reported that Obama's letter is what caused the North Korean government to release the men, Dennis Rodman says that he also played a large role in getting the men released, according to TMZ.

Rodman is no stranger to Kim Jong Un, and even calls him a friend. He's visited North Korea multiple times, claiming he wanted to improve relations between North Korea and the U.S. The former basketball player has said that on his trips to North Korea, he has never intended to lobby for the release of Kenneth Bae.

Rodman said that he sent a letter to Kim Jong Un, begging for the release of Bae, back in January. In the letter, Rodman writes, "I understand the crimes [Bae] committed, and ask you my dear friend, the highly respected Marshall Kim Jong Un for his release to show my country how loving and compassionate you and the DPRK can be." The entire letter can be read on TMZ.

About the North Korean government's decision to release Bae, Rodman told TMZ, "No doubt, our trips helped influence Kenneth Bae's release and I'm happy he is coming home safely."

Image courtesy of INFphoto.com.