Check the date. You're sure it's not April Fools' Day, right?
In what has to be regarded as one of the stranger and more unexpected stories that we've written here on JOE, it seems that Today FM presenter Matt Cooper is currently accompanying ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman on a trip to North Korea.
Rodman, in a move that he calling 'basketball diplomacy', is leading a team of former NBA All-Stars who will play against a top North Korean Senior National team on Wednesday, marking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's birthday.
As far as we know, Cooper will not be kitting out to play point guard on the All-Stars team, but is instead there to research a book he is writing on the upcoming game.
Cooper's employers Today FM provided JOE.ie with this official statement earlier:
“We can confirm that Matt Cooper is travelling to North Korea. Matt has taken annual leave from Today FM and is travelling in an independent capacity on this trip.”
And if you look at the clip from
The Telegraph below, you can clearly spot Cooper as he makes his way through the airport on Rodman's shoulder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMTdkTMj8qk
It seems that, after interviewing the eccentric American back in October, Cooper has since struck up a relationship that may well have led to this surprising turn of events.
Here at JOE we wish Matt the best of luck on his trip to the notoriously secretive state and look forward to hearing his undoubtedly fascinating reports when he returns.
You can listen to
The Last Word With Matt Cooper on Today FM on weekdays at 16.30 - 19.00.
